Sir Dave Brailsford laughs off question about Man United signing Kylian Mbappe

Sir Dave Brailsford made light of a question about Manchester United signing Kylian Mbappe as he suggested the forward wants to move to Real Madrid.

PSG confirmed on Thursday that Mbappe will leave the club when his contract expires in June.

Real Madrid have been given the green light to try and sign the French dynamo after seven years of courting him and are favourites to land his signature.

However, one young fan couldn't resist asking Brailsford - INEOS' director of sport, who will be influential at Old Trafford - whether United would sign him.

Brailsford's answer isn't fully audible, but he appears to say that Mbappe is 'set on going to Real Madrid'.

His admission, made with a smile, is perhaps an admission that United might struggle to ensnare Mbappe against the great pull that Madrid have.

United have been linked with him in the past but are not in the same position to challenge for trophies as Madrid.

Madrid's protracted pursuit of Mbappe has left them frustrated and embarrassed and they wanted a public show from Mbappe that he intended to leave the French club this time before making their move.

Mbappe's decision not to renew leaves the path clear for the La Liga leaders to close the signing.

It has also been interpreted as a clear signal Mbappe is prepared to drop his financial demands. Fourteen-time European Cup winners Madrid have always maintained they would not compete financially with PSG.

The Spanish club's unwillingness to smash their wage structure to match the £21.4million annual salary the Frenchman earns in Paris after tax is no longer a problem, as there would be no transfer fee to pay.

Mail Sport understands Madrid are willing to make Mbappe the club's top earner, surpassing the £10.3m per season they pay