Manchester City officials held discussions with one of Kylian Mbappe's agents early last week, before the French forward informed Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) of his intention to depart on a free transfer this summer, reported Spanish news outlet Cadena SER.
Mbappe is set to leave PSG when his contract expires at the end of June, with Real Madrid emerging as the favourites to secure his services.
While there were previous rumours linking Mbappe with a move to the Premier League, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United have all seemingly ruled themselves out of the race in recent days, anticipating his move to the Bernabeu.
Man City engaged in informal talks with one of Mbappe's representatives at the beginning of last week, preceding the forward's conversation with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi about his departure plans.
The report suggested that Mbappe is working with three main agents to facilitate his next career move.
Real Madrid were widely expected to secure Mbappe's signature on a free transfer in the summer of 2022, but the forward ultimately decided to extend his stay in Paris.
However, with Mbappe's departure from PSG inevitable at the end of the 2023-24 season, there seems to be no turning back.
PSG are currently well positioned for another Ligue 1 title, leading the table by 14 points, and they secured a 2-0 win over Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
Before leaving PSG, Mbappe aims to add another league and Champions League double to his accomplishments under manager Luis Enrique.
The 25-year-old has enjoyed another exceptional season for PSG, scoring 32 goals and providing seven assists in 31 appearances across all competitions in the 2023-24 campaign.
In Ligue 1 alone, Mbappe has netted 21 goals and contributed four assists in 20 outings this season, along with four goals in seven Champions League appearances.
Since joining PSG from Monaco, initially on loan, Mbappe has amassed an impressive record of 244 goals and 105 assists in 291 appearances for the club.
While Manchester City could present a competitive financial package to Mbappe, it appears that the forward has already made up his mind to join Real Madrid.