Real Madrid Transfer News: Latest on Kylian Mbappe, James Rodriguez Rumours

Kylian Mbappe has given Real Madrid new hope in their hunt for his signature after saying he's "not afraid to leave" AS Monaco this summer. Elsewhere, James Rodriguez has reportedly shunned interest from Inter Milan in favour of Manchester United.

Los Blancos have been increasingly linked with a move for Mbappe in recent months, and he's indicated he's ready to make the step up, although he covets first-team football as a high priority, per The Mirror's Liam Prenderville: "Why play less? I'll have time to reflect on that and, no, I'm not afraid to leave."

The 18-year-old is currently with the France squad on international duty and has just ended a breakthrough season at the Stade Louis II, having netted 26 goals in a season where Monaco lifted their first Ligue 1 title since 2000.

Some have associated Zinedine Zidane's management of Real and shared nationality with Mbappe as a potential factor in the forward's future, although the starlet quietened any such notion as he continued:

One thing that seems certain is Mbappe will be the master of his own destiny in a summer where he has the world at his feet, with a swathe of European powerhouses reported to be vying for his signature.

According to French newspaper L’Equipe and broadcaster Canal+, Manchester United are now getting serious in their interest and have launched a £73.5 million bid for Mbappe, while rivals City have offered £113.5 million (h/t The Sun's Tom Sheen).

Real already have a French forward leading their line in Karim Benzema, while international team-mate Raphael Varane is also based at the Santiago Bernabeu and would be happy to welcome his compatriot, per Spanish daily Marca:

It works in Real's favour to hear Mbappe is prepared to cut ties at Monaco, although his demands to secure first-team minutes could pose a problem for La Liga's newly crowned champions.

Meanwhile, Spanish newspaper AS reported Real have turned down Inter's £36 million offer to sign Rodriguez in the hope they can squeeze more money out of his other high-profile suitors, Manchester United (h/t Metro's Coral Barry).

There's a potential transfer merry-go-round developing between the three clubs, however, as Sky Sports News reporter Kaveh Solhekol detailed the state of affairs between Real, Inter and the Red Devils:

Rodriguez's failure to fit under Zidane—he made only 13 La Liga starts this season—may have finally convinced the 2014 World Cup star his future doesn't lie in Madrid.

That being said, finding an investor to meet Real's valuation will be difficult, with Los Merengues undoubtedly eager to recoup as much of the €80 million investment they made three years ago if they are to sell.