PSG boss Galtier 'surprised' by timing of reports Mbappe wants to leave club

Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier has downplayed reports that rumours over the future of star striker Kylian Mbappe caused disruption to the team's preparations ahead of Tuesday's Champions League match with Benfica.

A 1-1 draw at the Parc des Princes - in which Mbappe scored from the penalty spot - was the third successive match PSG have shared the points with their opponents and keeps them top of Group H on eight points, ahead of their Portuguese rivals.

It came after various media reports in Spain and France earlier in the day suggested Mbappe would seek to leave PSG in January, despite penning a new three-year contract in the summer.

"I know nothing," Galtier said when asked about the reports following Tuesday's game.

"All I know is that a rumour became a story and then that almost became a declaration."

He added: "I didn't see anything unusual in Kylian's preparation for the game, and he played with a lot of rhythm and intensity and gave a response to the rumours.

"We remained focused on the match and I don't think the rumour disrupted our preparations."

Mbappe's goal was his 12th of the season but he is reportedly unhappy at his positioning in the PSG team amid relentless speculation of a rift between the French striker and Brazilian teammate Neymar.

PSG PLAYER RATINGS: Gianluigi Donnarumma 5 – Had very little to do until he received a pass from Marquinhos when under pressure. He panicked, and ended up kicking the ball needlessly out of play. In the second half, Grimaldo’s speculative effort almost caught him out, while he could do little about Mario’s convincing penalty. Shaky performance. AFP

Mbappe, 23, had been expected to move to Real Madrid at the end of the last campaign before opting to stay in