Man City Reportedly Expect Kylian Mbappe to Join Real Madrid If He Leaves Monaco

Manchester City have reportedly "lodged their interest" in signing Kylian Mbappe from Monaco, but they still expect him to join Real Madrid if he leaves the Stade Louis II this summer. 

According to James Ducker in the Telegraph, City are insistent they have made no formal bid for the French teenager having first enquired about him in April, when they "balked" at Monaco's £130 million asking price. 

Indeed, while City are clearly interested in Mbappe, 18, they will not pursue him unless the fee comes down, per BBC Sport's David Ornstein:

Real, though, have reportedly agreed a deal in principle to sign the forward €180 million (£161 million), per Marca (via Ducker).

That has been denied, however, by Monaco, per Sky Sports News:

Mbappe's future is still hugely uncertain, but it does seem very unlikely he will be anywhere other than Monaco or Real next season.

He has become one of the most sought-after players in Europe following a breakout season in 2016-17 when he helped Monaco win Ligue 1 and reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, per football analyst David O'Brien:

Should France international Mbappe make good on the enormous potential he showed last season and become one of the best players in the world he would arguably be worth a £160 million outlay.

But given he has only proven himself over one season in the French top flight, it would be a big risk, and it is no surprise City are not prepared to pay over the odds for him.