Can Manchester United afford Kylian Mbappe? Wages and FFP concerns explored amid transfer talk

Manchester United have entered a new era with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, and few players would be more of a statement signing for the British billionaire than Kylian Mbappe.

France talisman Mbappe is said to have informed Paris Saint-Germain that he will not be signing a new deal once his current contract expires this summer, meaning arguably the greatest talent of his generation will be available on a free transfer - though the word 'free' is something of a misnomer given the extraordinary wages the 25-year-old enjoys in Paris right now. Real Madrid are favourites to sign the French superstar having courted him for years, but it appears as though there is work to be done on both sides to make the numbers work.

It is no secret that United are in a tough spot regarding Financial Fair Play (FFP), meaning Erik ten Hag was unable to make any signings during the January transfer window despite a disappointing start to the season. While United are in better form of late, it will still take an impressive run of results to secure a Premier League top-four finish and the lucrative Champions League qualification which follows. Rasmus Hojlund is finding the back of the net reliably after a slow start in terms of League goals, but there is no doubting a goal-shy United would welcome a world-class talent such as Mbappe to their attack - even if the left wing is already stacked with options as it is.

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At this point, United are not at the top of the food chain when it comes to competing for players in Mbappe's bracket - but Ratcliffe is already making big moves following approval of his