France and Paris Saint Germain forward Kylian Mbappe has tested positive for COVID-19, the French football federation (FFF) said on Monday. The player will miss Nations League international against Croatia that will be played at Paris' Stade de France on Tuesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/three-players-including-neymar-test-positive-in-paris-st-germain-324779">Three players including Neymar test positive in Paris St Germain</a>

"Given that the result of his COVID-19 test carried out by UEFA on Monday morning showed up as positive, he was removed from the rest of the squad after the results came through following training, and then returned to his home later in the evening," the French football body said on its website.

On Saturday, the French star scored a winner against Sweden (1-0).&nbsp;

The 21-year old is also the latest member of the Paris Saint Germain (PSG) team to test positive for COVID-19, with Brazilian international Neymar also reported by French media as having tested positive for the virus.

France and Paris Saint Germain forward Kylian Mbappe has tested positive for COVID-19, the French football federation (FFF) said on Monday. The player will miss Nations League international against Croatia that will be played at Paris' Stade de France on Tuesday.

France and Paris Saint Germain forward Kylian Mbappe has tested positive for COVID-19, the French football federation (FFF) said on Monday. The player will miss Nations League international against Croatia that will be played at Paris' Stade de France on Tuesday. Also read: Three players including Neymar test positive in Paris St Germain "Given that the result of his COVID-19 test carried out by UEFA on Monday morning showed up as positive, he was removed from the rest of the squad after the results came through following training, and then returned to his home later in the evening," the French football body said on its website. On Saturday, the French star scored a winner against Sweden (1-0). The 21-year old is also the latest member of the Paris Saint Germain (PSG) team to test positive for COVID-19, with Brazilian international Neymar also reported by French media as having tested positive for the virus.

PSG star Kylian Mbappe tests positive for COVID-19

Nothing ever seems to go to plan in the Champions League for Paris Saint-Germain, whose bid to avoid yet another exit in the first knockout round against Borussia Dortmund will be played out before an empty stadium on Wednesday.

After Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Co lost 2-1 to an Erling Haaland-inspired Dortmund before a crowd of 80,000 in Germany last month, PSG discovered on Monday the second leg of their last-16 tie must be played behind closed doors due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Estimates put the financial hit to Qatar-owned PSG of playing the game without the presence of nearly 50,000 fans at the Parc des Princes in the region of six million euros ($6.9 million), while the president of the club's Ultras fans group has called on supporters to gather outside the stadium instead.

However, it is still possible the strange atmosphere will work in the home team's favour, removing some of the immense pressure on them.

Agitated supporters are restless at the thought of their team -- despite all the Qatari investment -- going out of the Champions League in the last 16 for the fourth year running.

Following the first-leg defeat, one banner targeted captain Thiago Silva and their two superstar forwards, asking: "Silva, Mbappe, Neymar, afraid of winning? Show some balls."

While PSG's record in France, where they are on course for a seventh Ligue 1 title in eight seasons, is excellent, it is also almost irrelevant. This is a club that begs to be judged on its performance in Europe.

They are the fifth-richest club in the world in the most recent Deloitte Football Money League, with 636 million euros in revenue last season, behind only Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Bayern Munich.

However, they have fallen at this hurdle in each of the last three seasons, often in farcical fashion.

In 2017 there was the capitulation in Barcelona, a 6-1 defeat following a 4-0 first-leg win. They then spent over 400 million euros to make Neymar and Mbappe the two most expensive signings in the world, but the Brazilian missed the second leg of the 2018 defeat by Madrid due to injury and then sat out both legs of an improbable exit to Manchester United last year.

In eight years since the Qatari takeover, PSG have beaten just three teams in Champions League knockout ties: Valencia, Bayer Leverkusen and Chelsea (twice).

In a recent interview with Canal Plus, sporting director Leonardo tried to take pressure off Thomas Tuchel's team before the Dortmund tie.

"It's not life or death. If we lose we will try again next year," he insisted. "We need to stop all the negativity. We have a fantastic team and fantastic players."

Nevertheless, it is worth pondering how what is essentially a vanity project can continue to be credible if PSG keep on losing the games that really matter.

The need to beat Dortmund is therefore critical, even in these mitigating circumstances, and the futures of both Neymar and Mbappe, forever linked to Real Madrid, could depend on it.

If they do reach a first quarter-final since 2016, the weight off their shoulders will be huge and might well be replaced by a realisation that winning the trophy for the first time is a real possibility.

Coach Tuchel is under contract until 2021 but, just like Unai Emery and Laurent Blanc before him, it is hard to see how he would survive another disappointing European showing.

Tuchel is also under pressure after a decision to radically change his team's formation for the first leg backfired badly.

He needs a big performance from Neymar, who wanted to leave last summer rather than stick around for a third season in Paris but was poor in Dortmund. Tuchel also needs Mbappe, scorer of 30 goals this season, to deliver on the night.

"He struggled against Dortmund. His reaction since then has been astounding, in every training session. He is decisive and he is in great form," Tuchel said recently, and he will hope that form continues at an eerily empty stadium on Wednesday.

Nothing ever seems to go to plan in the Champions League for Paris Saint-Germain, whose bid to avoid yet another exit in the first knockout round against Borussia Dortmund will be played out before an empty stadium on Wednesday.

Nothing ever seems to go to plan in the Champions League for Paris Saint-Germain, whose bid to avoid yet another exit in the first knockout round against Borussia Dortmund will be played out before an empty stadium on Wednesday. After Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Co lost 2-1 to an Erling Haaland-inspired Dortmund before a crowd of 80,000 in Germany last month, PSG discovered on Monday the second leg of their last-16 tie must be played behind closed doors due to the coronavirus outbreak. Estimates put the financial hit to Qatar-owned PSG of playing the game without the presence of nearly 50,000 fans at the Parc des Princes in the region of six million euros ($6.9 million), while the president of the club's Ultras fans group has called on supporters to gather outside the stadium instead. However, it is still possible the strange atmosphere will work in the home team's favour, removing some of the immense pressure on them. Agitated supporters are restless at the thought of their team -- despite all the Qatari investment -- going out of the Champions League in the last 16 for the fourth year running. Following the first-leg defeat, one banner targeted captain Thiago Silva and their two superstar forwards, asking: "Silva, Mbappe, Neymar, afraid of winning? Show some balls." While PSG's record in France, where they are on course for a seventh Ligue 1 title in eight seasons, is excellent, it is also almost irrelevant. This is a club that begs to be judged on its performance in Europe. They are the fifth-richest club in the world in the most recent Deloitte Football Money League, with 636 million euros in revenue last season, behind only Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Bayern Munich. However, they have fallen at this hurdle in each of the last three seasons, often in farcical fashion. In 2017 there was the capitulation in Barcelona, a 6-1 defeat following a 4-0 first-leg win. They then spent over 400 million euros to make Neymar and Mbappe the two most expensive signings in the world, but the Brazilian missed the second leg of the 2018 defeat by Madrid due to injury and then sat out both legs of an improbable exit to Manchester United last year. In eight years since the Qatari takeover, PSG have beaten just three teams in Champions League knockout ties: Valencia, Bayer Leverkusen and Chelsea (twice). In a recent interview with Canal Plus, sporting director Leonardo tried to take pressure off Thomas Tuchel's team before the Dortmund tie. "It's not life or death. If we lose we will try again next year," he insisted. "We need to stop all the negativity. We have a fantastic team and fantastic players." Nevertheless, it is worth pondering how what is essentially a vanity project can continue to be credible if PSG keep on losing the games that really matter. The need to beat Dortmund is therefore critical, even in these mitigating circumstances, and the futures of both Neymar and Mbappe, forever linked to Real Madrid, could depend on it. If they do reach a first quarter-final since 2016, the weight off their shoulders will be huge and might well be replaced by a realisation that winning the trophy for the first time is a real possibility. Coach Tuchel is under contract until 2021 but, just like Unai Emery and Laurent Blanc before him, it is hard to see how he would survive another disappointing European showing. Tuchel is also under pressure after a decision to radically change his team's formation for the first leg backfired badly. He needs a big performance from Neymar, who wanted to leave last summer rather than stick around for a third season in Paris but was poor in Dortmund. Tuchel also needs Mbappe, scorer of 30 goals this season, to deliver on the night. "He struggled against Dortmund. His reaction since then has been astounding, in every training session. He is decisive and he is in great form," Tuchel said recently, and he will hope that form continues at an eerily empty stadium on Wednesday.

Champions League: PSG under pressure against Dortmund to keep Mbappe, Neymar project on track

Borussia Dortmund's teen sensation Erling Braut Haaland managed to outshine world's two most expensive players as the young gun scored a brace in 2-1 victory against Paris Saint Germain in the first leg of the round of 16 clashes in the Champions League at Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund.&nbsp;

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🚀 THAT thunderbolt by Erling Haaland 😱 
 
🤔 A <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GOTW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GOTW</a> contender?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/NissanFootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NissanFootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/Sha23D5z8O">pic.twitter.com/Sha23D5z8O</a>
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The match became exciting in the second half after Haaland smashed a stunning close-range goal for Borussia in the 69th-minute, however, it looked like PSG would leave Dortmund with a tie in the first leg after Neymar scored in the 75th minute. But Haaland's 77th-minute goal was the match decider.&nbsp;

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🇳🇴 Erling Braut Haaland = 1st teenager to score 10 in a single campaign in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> history 👏👏👏 <a href="https://t.co/6zAbGwQsBE">pic.twitter.com/6zAbGwQsBE</a>
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1229914960052047872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The 19-year old, 6ft 3 inches, is leading the top scorer's list after scoring 10 goals and 1 assist in the last seven&nbsp;matches. Lewandowski has scored the same number of goals (10) but has no assist.&nbsp;

Haaland told UEFA.com, "I feel like I still can do a lot better. I have to play better at this level, have to work hard to improve,".

The prolific Norwegian striker was adjudged the man of the match for his stellar performance against PSG.

Borussia Dortmund will still be precautious as they face Paris Saint Germain on their home turf in the next leg.

Haaland said: "The result is quite a dangerous one, as Paris has a very strong team and can still go through in the return leg."

Haaland has been a recent signing for Dortmund, they bought the young lad for 20 million euros from Salzburg during the winter transfer window.&nbsp;

He scored 28 goals in 22 games for Salzburg. The Leeds-born player now has 11 goals in just seven outings for his new club.

Haaland threatens Mbappe's record of scoring 19 Champions League goals before turning 21.&nbsp;

The $434 million line-up of Paris Saint Germain will eye to overturn the scoreline in the second leg of the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League. 
&nbsp;

Borussia Dortmund's teen sensation Erling Braut Haaland managed to outshine world's two most expensive players as the young gun scored a brace in 2-1 victory against Paris Saint Germain in the first leg of the round of 16 clashes in the Champions League at Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund.

Borussia Dortmund's teen sensation Erling Braut Haaland managed to outshine world's two most expensive players as the young gun scored a brace in 2-1 victory against Paris Saint Germain in the first leg of the round of 16 clashes in the Champions League at Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund. 🚀 THAT thunderbolt by Erling Haaland 😱 🤔 A #GOTW contender?#UCL | @NissanFootball pic.twitter.com/Sha23D5z8O — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 18, 2020 × The match became exciting in the second half after Haaland smashed a stunning close-range goal for Borussia in the 69th-minute, however, it looked like PSG would leave Dortmund with a tie in the first leg after Neymar scored in the 75th minute. But Haaland's 77th-minute goal was the match decider. 🇳🇴 Erling Braut Haaland = 1st teenager to score 10 in a single campaign in #UCL history 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/6zAbGwQsBE — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 18, 2020 × The 19-year old, 6ft 3 inches, is leading the top scorer's list after scoring 10 goals and 1 assist in the last seven matches. Lewandowski has scored the same number of goals (10) but has no assist. Haaland told UEFA.com, "I feel like I still can do a lot better. I have to play better at this level, have to work hard to improve,". The prolific Norwegian striker was adjudged the man of the match for his stellar performance against PSG. Borussia Dortmund will still be precautious as they face Paris Saint Germain on their home turf in the next leg. Haaland said: "The result is quite a dangerous one, as Paris has a very strong team and can still go through in the return leg." Haaland has been a recent signing for Dortmund, they bought the young lad for 20 million euros from Salzburg during the winter transfer window. He scored 28 goals in 22 games for Salzburg. The Leeds-born player now has 11 goals in just seven outings for his new club. Haaland threatens Mbappe's record of scoring 19 Champions League goals before turning 21. The $434 million line-up of Paris Saint Germain will eye to overturn the scoreline in the second leg of the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League.

Champions League: Teen sensation Haaland shines as Neymar's PSG fumbles

Paris Saint-Germain survived the absence of Neymar and a Lyon fightback to win Sunday night's Ligue 1 clash 4-2 at a stormy Parc des Princes, helped by Fernando Marcal's truly stunning second-half own goal.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ligue-1-neymars-injury-forces-him-out-of-nantes-clash-278487">Ligue 1: Neymar's injury forces him out of Nantes clash</a>

Runaway leaders and defending champions PSG were cruising at half-time with Angel Di Maria and Kylian Mbappe giving them a two-goal advantage against a Lyon side enduring a disappointing season.

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4 goals, three points and more momentum! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSGOL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSGOL</a> 
 
❤️💙 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICICESTPARIS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ICICESTPARIS</a> <a href="https://t.co/ovbhdGTo0t">pic.twitter.com/ovbhdGTo0t</a>
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) <a href="https://twitter.com/PSG_English/status/1226627887715012609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Then Marcal comically blasted the ball into the roof of his own net just after the break, leaving Lyon looking at another heavy defeat in Paris, where they lost 5-0 in this fixture last season.

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❤️ 𝙼𝙴𝚁𝙲𝙸 💙<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSGOL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSGOL</a> <a href="https://t.co/HWOFawyUII">pic.twitter.com/HWOFawyUII</a>
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) <a href="https://twitter.com/PSG_English/status/1226634018642432000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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However, Martin Terrier and Moussa Dembele quickly pulled goals back, and PSG needed a late strike by substitute Edinson Cavani to secure the points.

"Normally after a goal like that the game is over," said coach Thomas Tuchel of the own goal. "But we were not disciplined enough and it was a lesson for us that it's never over."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mood?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mood</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ECavaniOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ECavaniOfficial</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PSG_English?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PSG_English</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSGOL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSGOL</a> <a href="https://t.co/s8QCeQ5Fwr">pic.twitter.com/s8QCeQ5Fwr</a>
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PSG's performance showcased why they can ill afford to be complacent heading into their Champions League last 16, first leg match away to Borussia Dortmund on February 18, even if sporting director Leonardo insisted to Canal Plus that the tie was "not life or death" for the Qatar-owned club.

They will hope to have Neymar back by then. The world's most expensive player sat out a second consecutive match here due to a rib complaint.

"We play a lot of games and errors happen but I don't know if it's the time to be too critical," Tuchel added.

"The team was great and we can't forget we were without lots of key players."

Without Neymar -- as well as his injured compatriots, Thiago Silva and Marquinhos, in defence -- Tuchel's side made it eight straight wins and stretched their unbeaten run to 21 games in all competitions.

Lyon, meanwhile, have not won in three and this result leaves the seven-time former champions in ninth place.

They are eight points adrift of the Champions League qualifying spots and their upcoming European double-header against Juventus looks certain to be a step too far for them.

How Rudi Garcia's side must have wished this match had been postponed due to the swirling wind and rain caused by Storm Ciara -- which left ticker-tape from pre-match fan displays strewn all over the pitch -- as they struggled to keep up with PSG in the first half.

PSG broke forward to open the scoring midway through the first half as Idrissa Gueye fed Di Maria to cut in from the right and beat Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes with a low strike at his near post.

Thomas Meunier then squared for Mbappe to score his 15th league goal of the season in the 38th minute after fine work by Mauro Icardi, and both Icardi and Mbappe also had goals disallowed for offside before the interval.

Then, two minutes after the break, came what looked like the coup de grace.

An attempted cutback by Julian Draxler was going nowhere before Thiago Mendes intervened, allowing Draxler to keep the ball in play and return it to the edge of the six-yard box, where the hapless Marcal slammed it into the roof of his own net.

Nevertheless, Lyon hit back with Terrier's shot squirming under the body of Keylor Navas before Karl Toko Ekambi teed up Dembele to convert his 13th in the league this season just prior to the hour mark.

Mbappe had another effort ruled out and then hit the woodwork, and it was not until the introduction of Cavani -- the fans' favourite reduced to role of bit-part player -- that the home side made sure of the points.

Di Maria set up the Uruguayan to complete the scoring 10 minutes from time with what was his 199th goal for PSG.

They are 12 points clear of Marseille, who beat Toulouse 1-0 on Saturday with a Dimitri Payet goal. Elsewhere on Sunday, Montpellier beat struggling Saint-Etienne 1-0 and Strasbourg won 3-0 against Reims, with both sides staying in touch with the European places.

Paris Saint-Germain survived the absence of Neymar and a Lyon fightback to win Sunday night's Ligue 1 clash 4-2 at a stormy Parc des Princes, helped by Fernando Marcal's truly stunning second-half own goal.

Paris Saint-Germain survived the absence of Neymar and a Lyon fightback to win Sunday night's Ligue 1 clash 4-2 at a stormy Parc des Princes, helped by Fernando Marcal's truly stunning second-half own goal. Also read- Ligue 1: Neymar's injury forces him out of Nantes clash Runaway leaders and defending champions PSG were cruising at half-time with Angel Di Maria and Kylian Mbappe giving them a two-goal advantage against a Lyon side enduring a disappointing season. 4 goals, three points and more momentum! #PSGOL ❤️💙 #ICICESTPARIS pic.twitter.com/ovbhdGTo0t — Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) February 9, 2020 × Then Marcal comically blasted the ball into the roof of his own net just after the break, leaving Lyon looking at another heavy defeat in Paris, where they lost 5-0 in this fixture last season. ❤️ 𝙼𝙴𝚁𝙲𝙸 💙#PSGOL pic.twitter.com/HWOFawyUII — Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) February 9, 2020 × However, Martin Terrier and Moussa Dembele quickly pulled goals back, and PSG needed a late strike by substitute Edinson Cavani to secure the points. "Normally after a goal like that the game is over," said coach Thomas Tuchel of the own goal. "But we were not disciplined enough and it was a lesson for us that it's never over." #mood @ECavaniOfficial @PSG_English #PSGOL pic.twitter.com/s8QCeQ5Fwr — Ligue1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) February 9, 2020 × PSG's performance showcased why they can ill afford to be complacent heading into their Champions League last 16, first leg match away to Borussia Dortmund on February 18, even if sporting director Leonardo insisted to Canal Plus that the tie was "not life or death" for the Qatar-owned club. They will hope to have Neymar back by then. The world's most expensive player sat out a second consecutive match here due to a rib complaint. "We play a lot of games and errors happen but I don't know if it's the time to be too critical," Tuchel added. "The team was great and we can't forget we were without lots of key players." Without Neymar -- as well as his injured compatriots, Thiago Silva and Marquinhos, in defence -- Tuchel's side made it eight straight wins and stretched their unbeaten run to 21 games in all competitions. Lyon, meanwhile, have not won in three and this result leaves the seven-time former champions in ninth place. They are eight points adrift of the Champions League qualifying spots and their upcoming European double-header against Juventus looks certain to be a step too far for them. How Rudi Garcia's side must have wished this match had been postponed due to the swirling wind and rain caused by Storm Ciara -- which left ticker-tape from pre-match fan displays strewn all over the pitch -- as they struggled to keep up with PSG in the first half. PSG broke forward to open the scoring midway through the first half as Idrissa Gueye fed Di Maria to cut in from the right and beat Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes with a low strike at his near post. Thomas Meunier then squared for Mbappe to score his 15th league goal of the season in the 38th minute after fine work by Mauro Icardi, and both Icardi and Mbappe also had goals disallowed for offside before the interval. Then, two minutes after the break, came what looked like the coup de grace. An attempted cutback by Julian Draxler was going nowhere before Thiago Mendes intervened, allowing Draxler to keep the ball in play and return it to the edge of the six-yard box, where the hapless Marcal slammed it into the roof of his own net. Nevertheless, Lyon hit back with Terrier's shot squirming under the body of Keylor Navas before Karl Toko Ekambi teed up Dembele to convert his 13th in the league this season just prior to the hour mark. Mbappe had another effort ruled out and then hit the woodwork, and it was not until the introduction of Cavani -- the fans' favourite reduced to role of bit-part player -- that the home side made sure of the points. Di Maria set up the Uruguayan to complete the scoring 10 minutes from time with what was his 199th goal for PSG. They are 12 points clear of Marseille, who beat Toulouse 1-0 on Saturday with a Dimitri Payet goal. Elsewhere on Sunday, Montpellier beat struggling Saint-Etienne 1-0 and Strasbourg won 3-0 against Reims, with both sides staying in touch with the European places.

Ligue 1: PSG aided by own goal for the ages in win over Lyon

Neymar is set to miss Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) Ligue 1 clash against Nantes due to injury.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-shines-but-psg-held-by-monaco-in-thriller-273837">Neymar shines but PSG held by Monaco in thriller</a>

The club announced their squad for the Nantes clash and the Brazilian international was the notable absentee. He sustained an injury during the match against Montpellier on February 1.

"Neymar has a costochondral injury, suffered during the first half of the match against Montpellier. This was confirmed by tests that were conducted today," the club said in a statement.

PSG squad: Mitchel Bakker, Marcin Bulka, Edinson Cavani, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Angel Di Maria, Julian Draxler, Idrissa Gueye, Mauro Icardi, Thilo Kehrer, Presnel Kimpembe, Tanguy Kouassi, Layvin Kurzawa, Kylian Mbappe, Thomas Meunier, Keylor Navas, Leandro Paredes, Sergio Rico, Pablo Sarabia, Marco Verratti.

PSG top the Ligue 1 table with 55 points and will take on Nantes on February 5.

Neymar is set to miss Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) Ligue 1 clash against Nantes due to injury. Also read: Neymar shines but PSG held by Monaco in thriller The club announced their squad for the Nantes clash and the Brazilian international was the notable absentee.

Neymar is set to miss Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) Ligue 1 clash against Nantes due to injury. Also read: Neymar shines but PSG held by Monaco in thriller The club announced their squad for the Nantes clash and the Brazilian international was the notable absentee. He sustained an injury during the match against Montpellier on February 1. "Neymar has a costochondral injury, suffered during the first half of the match against Montpellier. This was confirmed by tests that were conducted today," the club said in a statement. PSG squad: Mitchel Bakker, Marcin Bulka, Edinson Cavani, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Angel Di Maria, Julian Draxler, Idrissa Gueye, Mauro Icardi, Thilo Kehrer, Presnel Kimpembe, Tanguy Kouassi, Layvin Kurzawa, Kylian Mbappe, Thomas Meunier, Keylor Navas, Leandro Paredes, Sergio Rico, Pablo Sarabia, Marco Verratti. PSG top the Ligue 1 table with 55 points and will take on Nantes on February 5.

Ligue 1: Neymar's injury forces him out of Nantes clash

A superb <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-mbappe-stars-as-psg-snatch-draw-against-real-madrid-264752">Kylian Mbappe</a> goal and a Neymar penalty helped Paris St Germain restore a five-point lead atop the Ligue 1 standings with a 2-0 home win over Nantes on Wednesday.

France striker Mbappe found the back of the net with a jaw-dropping backheel finish early in the second half and Neymar doubled the tally in the closing stages to put&nbsp;PSG&nbsp;on 36 points from 15 games.

Second-placed Marseille, who have played one game more, had narrowed the gap to two points with a 2-0 victory at Angers on Tuesday.

"It's not easy to beat Nantes they are very compact. We tried to play fast but we lost too many balls," said&nbsp;PSG&nbsp;midfielder Marquinhos.

Nantes dropped to ninth in the table on 23 points from 16 games.

At the Parc des Princes, coach Thomas Tuchel left Mauro Icardi on the substitutes' bench with Mbappe starting up front alongside Angel Di Maria and Neymar.

The Brazilian thought he had opened the scoring shortly before halftime but his effort was ruled out by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-rule-makers-look-at-ways-of-providing-more-information-about-var-decisions-266170">VAR</a> because of a Julian Draxler foul in the area.

Mbappe went close four minutes into the second half but Alban Lafont parried away the France international's powerful angled shot.

Mbappe, however, put the hosts ahead in the 52nd minute with a gorgeous backheel from Di Maria's whipped pass after the Argentine had been played through on the right flank by Neymar.

Neymar converted a penalty six minutes from fulltime after Lafont had brought down Icardi in the area following a poor header back from defender Nicolas Pallois.

Keylor Navas made a key save to deny Pallois in stoppage time, helping secure a ninth clean sheet in nine league victories for&nbsp;PSG&nbsp;at home this season.

Elsewhere, St Etienne bounced back from their first defeat under Claude Puel with a 4-1 home victory against Nice thanks to a Denis Bouanga double.

The win lifted Les Verts, who were second from the bottom when Puel was appointed two months ago, up to fifth on 25 points.

"It was a perfect game which should boost our confidence," said Puel, who has secured 14 points in seven games for St Etienne.

Monaco's Wissam Ben Yedder scored an early penalty and set up Gelson Martins for the winner as they won 2-1 at bottom side Toulouse.

A superb Kylian Mbappe goal and a Neymar penalty helped Paris St Germain restore a five-point lead atop the Ligue 1 standings with a 2-0 home win over Nantes on Wednesday.

A superb Kylian Mbappe goal and a Neymar penalty helped Paris St Germain restore a five-point lead atop the Ligue 1 standings with a 2-0 home win over Nantes on Wednesday. France striker Mbappe found the back of the net with a jaw-dropping backheel finish early in the second half and Neymar doubled the tally in the closing stages to put PSG on 36 points from 15 games. Second-placed Marseille, who have played one game more, had narrowed the gap to two points with a 2-0 victory at Angers on Tuesday. "It's not easy to beat Nantes they are very compact. We tried to play fast but we lost too many balls," said PSG midfielder Marquinhos. Nantes dropped to ninth in the table on 23 points from 16 games. At the Parc des Princes, coach Thomas Tuchel left Mauro Icardi on the substitutes' bench with Mbappe starting up front alongside Angel Di Maria and Neymar. The Brazilian thought he had opened the scoring shortly before halftime but his effort was ruled out by the VAR because of a Julian Draxler foul in the area. Mbappe went close four minutes into the second half but Alban Lafont parried away the France international's powerful angled shot. Mbappe, however, put the hosts ahead in the 52nd minute with a gorgeous backheel from Di Maria's whipped pass after the Argentine had been played through on the right flank by Neymar. Neymar converted a penalty six minutes from fulltime after Lafont had brought down Icardi in the area following a poor header back from defender Nicolas Pallois. Keylor Navas made a key save to deny Pallois in stoppage time, helping secure a ninth clean sheet in nine league victories for PSG at home this season. Elsewhere, St Etienne bounced back from their first defeat under Claude Puel with a 4-1 home victory against Nice thanks to a Denis Bouanga double. The win lifted Les Verts, who were second from the bottom when Puel was appointed two months ago, up to fifth on 25 points. "It was a perfect game which should boost our confidence," said Puel, who has secured 14 points in seven games for St Etienne. Monaco's Wissam Ben Yedder scored an early penalty and set up Gelson Martins for the winner as they won 2-1 at bottom side Toulouse.

Ligue 1: Mbappe and Neymar on target as PSG sink Nantes

Kylian Mbappe instigated a dramatic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-champions-league-jurgen-klopp-confident-of-mohamed-salah-fitness-ahead-of-clash-against-napoli-264732">Champions League comeback </a>on Tuesday as Paris Saint-Germain scored twice in two minutes to rescue a 2-2 draw against Real Madrid and secure first place in Group A.

Madrid dominated the majority of a pulsating contest at the Santiago Bernabeu and looked to have sewn up an impressive victory when Karim Benzema scored his second goal in the 79th minute.

But PSG pulled off an unlikely turnaround as Mbappe capitalised on a defensive mix-up to pull one back in the 81st minute before Pablo Sarabia, once of Real, drove into the top corner second later.

"Real were better for long periods," said PSG coach Thomas Tuchel. "We were lucky but that's not a crime."

Gareth Bale, who came on as a substitute to a mixed reception from the home fans, almost won it in injury-time when his bending free-kick struck the post.

The draw means PSG will go through as group winners while Madrid are guaranteed to finish second after Club Brugge drew 1-1 at Galatasaray in the early kick-off.

Madrid's late capitulation tarnished an excellent display that highlighted their transformation since the 3-0 thrashing at the Parc des Princes in September.

"It was a great performance," said Zinedine Zidane. "The players are not happy with the result but you have to be happy with what we have done for 80 minutes. I'd take that performance all day long."

There was also the worrying sight of Eden Hazard hobbling off with what looked like an ankle injury in the second half, with the Clasico against Barcelona only three weeks away.

"It's more than just a knock but I hope the twist is a minor one," said Zidane.

Neymar was also left on the bench by Tuchel despite recovering from a hamstring injury, only to be brought on at half-time. It was his dummy that led to Sarabia's equaliser.

"I didn't want to risk him," said Tuchel. "I prefered to be sure he could finish the match."

Zidane's press conference on Monday became another ode to Mbappe, who will reportedly be Madrid's number one target next summer.

The Frenchman, in his 100th game for PSG, looked like he wanted to put on a show, puffing out his chest after an early foul by Sergio Ramos and squeezing Zidane's hand as he fetched a ball from behind his back.

The threat of Mbappe hung over the match but Madrid were much the better side, slicker in their passing, faster with the ball and more aggressive in winning it back.

Their opening goal came in the 17th minute and Hazard started it, skipping between Thomas Meunier and Marquinhos before switching to the right. Isco struck Fede Valverde's pull-back against the post before Benzema showed a cool head to find the corner.

On the back foot for most of the half, PSG twice went close towards the end of it. Mbappe, slipped through by Angel Di Maria, opted to shoot when he might have squared for Mauro Icardi.

Icardi was then brought down in the area after nipping around Thibaut Courtois. Referee Artur Dias pointed to the spot and showed the goalkeeper a red card but a VAR review showed Idrissa Gueye had pushed Marcelo in the build-up.

Madrid looked to have put the game to bed when Luka Modric ghosted clear and Marcelo's cross found the deadly Benzema free at the back post.

But the celebrations had barely finished when Mbappe pulled one back, a gift as Courtois and Raphael Varane allowed Meunier's cross to slip between them, leaving the 21-year-old with an open goal.

It felt like a consolation but PSG had other ideas as a clever dummy from Neymar fooled the entire home defence and the ball cannoned out to Sarabia, who swept it into the top corner.&nbsp;

Both teams looked for a winner and PSG went close, Mbappe firing into the side-netting before Bale's bending free-kick hit the post deep into injury-time.

Kylian Mbappe instigated a dramatic Champions League comeback on Tuesday as Paris Saint-Germain scored twice in two minutes to rescue a 2-2 draw against Real Madrid and secure first place in Group A.

Kylian Mbappe instigated a dramatic Champions League comeback on Tuesday as Paris Saint-Germain scored twice in two minutes to rescue a 2-2 draw against Real Madrid and secure first place in Group A. Madrid dominated the majority of a pulsating contest at the Santiago Bernabeu and looked to have sewn up an impressive victory when Karim Benzema scored his second goal in the 79th minute. But PSG pulled off an unlikely turnaround as Mbappe capitalised on a defensive mix-up to pull one back in the 81st minute before Pablo Sarabia, once of Real, drove into the top corner second later. "Real were better for long periods," said PSG coach Thomas Tuchel. "We were lucky but that's not a crime." Gareth Bale, who came on as a substitute to a mixed reception from the home fans, almost won it in injury-time when his bending free-kick struck the post. The draw means PSG will go through as group winners while Madrid are guaranteed to finish second after Club Brugge drew 1-1 at Galatasaray in the early kick-off. Madrid's late capitulation tarnished an excellent display that highlighted their transformation since the 3-0 thrashing at the Parc des Princes in September. "It was a great performance," said Zinedine Zidane. "The players are not happy with the result but you have to be happy with what we have done for 80 minutes. I'd take that performance all day long." There was also the worrying sight of Eden Hazard hobbling off with what looked like an ankle injury in the second half, with the Clasico against Barcelona only three weeks away. "It's more than just a knock but I hope the twist is a minor one," said Zidane. Neymar was also left on the bench by Tuchel despite recovering from a hamstring injury, only to be brought on at half-time. It was his dummy that led to Sarabia's equaliser. "I didn't want to risk him," said Tuchel. "I prefered to be sure he could finish the match." Zidane's press conference on Monday became another ode to Mbappe, who will reportedly be Madrid's number one target next summer. The Frenchman, in his 100th game for PSG, looked like he wanted to put on a show, puffing out his chest after an early foul by Sergio Ramos and squeezing Zidane's hand as he fetched a ball from behind his back. The threat of Mbappe hung over the match but Madrid were much the better side, slicker in their passing, faster with the ball and more aggressive in winning it back. Their opening goal came in the 17th minute and Hazard started it, skipping between Thomas Meunier and Marquinhos before switching to the right. Isco struck Fede Valverde's pull-back against the post before Benzema showed a cool head to find the corner. On the back foot for most of the half, PSG twice went close towards the end of it. Mbappe, slipped through by Angel Di Maria, opted to shoot when he might have squared for Mauro Icardi. Icardi was then brought down in the area after nipping around Thibaut Courtois. Referee Artur Dias pointed to the spot and showed the goalkeeper a red card but a VAR review showed Idrissa Gueye had pushed Marcelo in the build-up. Madrid looked to have put the game to bed when Luka Modric ghosted clear and Marcelo's cross found the deadly Benzema free at the back post. But the celebrations had barely finished when Mbappe pulled one back, a gift as Courtois and Raphael Varane allowed Meunier's cross to slip between them, leaving the 21-year-old with an open goal. It felt like a consolation but PSG had other ideas as a clever dummy from Neymar fooled the entire home defence and the ball cannoned out to Sarabia, who swept it into the top corner. Both teams looked for a winner and PSG went close, Mbappe firing into the side-netting before Bale's bending free-kick hit the post deep into injury-time.

Champions League: Mbappe stars as PSG snatch draw against Real Madrid

French star Kylian Mbappe is out of Liverpool's price range, the Premier League leaders manager and long-time admirer Jurgen Klopp says.

The 20-year-old Paris Saint Germain striker,&nbsp;who was instrumental in France's lifting of the 2018 World Cup,&nbsp;has been linked with Real Madrid.

This gathered momentum earlier in the week when Real's coach Zinedine Zidane remarked that Mbappe had always said it was his dream to play for the Spanish side.

Klopp, speaking ahead of Sunday's clash with second-placed Manchester City, had been keen to sign Mbappe in 2017 and met with the player and his entourage.

However, he opted to join PSG for £158 million ($202 million).&nbsp;

PSG are seeking to extend his present contract and if they were reluctantly to allow him to leave are believed to want more than the record fee of £198 million they paid Barcelona for Neymar in 2017.&nbsp;

"Buying this calibre of player is difficult," Klopp was cited in Saturday's The Times as saying.

"I don't see any club at the moment who can buy Kylian Mbappé from PSG.

"I don't see any club. That is how it is. And we are involved in these clubs who cannot do it. Easy as that.

"OK, from a sporting point of view, there are not a lot of reasons to not sign him.

"What a player he is. It is about the money of course. No chance. Absolutely, no chance. Sorry for killing that story."

&nbsp;'Space for improvement'

Klopp, whose side have a six point lead over champions City heading into their match at Anfield, said the minimalist level of activity from him in the transfer market in the close season was down to the money being asked for their targets.

The Champions League holders signed teenagers Harvey Elliott and Sepp van den Berg whilst bringing in goalkeeper Adrian on a free transfer.

"The players we thought about to make this team better were really expensive and we could not spend the money," said the 52-year-old German.

"That is how it is.

"To see a player better than him, or with potential to be better or play exactly the same as him is really difficult.

"That is what it was. That was the situation.

"It was not that we were not ready, but we did not want to make five or six changes. Not at all.

"This team is at a wonderful age, there is still space for improvement, completely fine."

Klopp, though, said it is easier than when he first arrived in 2015 to attract top level players to Liverpool.

Last year they secured Brazil goalkeeper Alisson and Dutch centre-back Virgil van Dijk for £65 million and £75 million respectively from AS Roma and Southampton.

"I don't think we have to compare with Man City," said Klopp.

"I have no idea which kind of player wants to go to Man City, but good players obviously did it in the last couple of years, there is no doubt about that.

"There are reasons, good reasons why players want to join us, that is clear.

"I don't think we struggle with convincing players."

French star Kylian Mbappe is out of Liverpool's price range, the Premier League leaders manager and long-time admirer Jurgen Klopp says. The 20-year-old Paris Saint Germain striker, who was instrumental in France's lifting of the 2018 World Cup, has been linked with Real Madrid.

French star Kylian Mbappe is out of Liverpool's price range, the Premier League leaders manager and long-time admirer Jurgen Klopp says. The 20-year-old Paris Saint Germain striker, who was instrumental in France's lifting of the 2018 World Cup, has been linked with Real Madrid. This gathered momentum earlier in the week when Real's coach Zinedine Zidane remarked that Mbappe had always said it was his dream to play for the Spanish side. Klopp, speaking ahead of Sunday's clash with second-placed Manchester City, had been keen to sign Mbappe in 2017 and met with the player and his entourage. However, he opted to join PSG for £158 million ($202 million). PSG are seeking to extend his present contract and if they were reluctantly to allow him to leave are believed to want more than the record fee of £198 million they paid Barcelona for Neymar in 2017. "Buying this calibre of player is difficult," Klopp was cited in Saturday's The Times as saying. "I don't see any club at the moment who can buy Kylian Mbappé from PSG. "I don't see any club. That is how it is. And we are involved in these clubs who cannot do it. Easy as that. "OK, from a sporting point of view, there are not a lot of reasons to not sign him. "What a player he is. It is about the money of course. No chance. Absolutely, no chance. Sorry for killing that story." 'Space for improvement' Klopp, whose side have a six point lead over champions City heading into their match at Anfield, said the minimalist level of activity from him in the transfer market in the close season was down to the money being asked for their targets. The Champions League holders signed teenagers Harvey Elliott and Sepp van den Berg whilst bringing in goalkeeper Adrian on a free transfer. "The players we thought about to make this team better were really expensive and we could not spend the money," said the 52-year-old German. "That is how it is. "To see a player better than him, or with potential to be better or play exactly the same as him is really difficult. "That is what it was. That was the situation. "It was not that we were not ready, but we did not want to make five or six changes. Not at all. "This team is at a wonderful age, there is still space for improvement, completely fine." Klopp, though, said it is easier than when he first arrived in 2015 to attract top level players to Liverpool. Last year they secured Brazil goalkeeper Alisson and Dutch centre-back Virgil van Dijk for £65 million and £75 million respectively from AS Roma and Southampton. "I don't think we have to compare with Man City," said Klopp. "I have no idea which kind of player wants to go to Man City, but good players obviously did it in the last couple of years, there is no doubt about that. "There are reasons, good reasons why players want to join us, that is clear. "I don't think we struggle with convincing players."

Klopp rules out move for France superstar Mbappe

Paris St Germain suffered their third Ligue 1 defeat of the season when they wasted a one-goal lead to lose 2-1 at lowly Dijon on Friday.

Kylian Mbappe put the leaders ahead in the 19th minute before Dijon struck back with goals by Mounir Chouiar and Jhonder Cadiz to get a deserved victory.

PSG have 27 points from 12 games and lead second-placed Nantes, who travel to Girondins de Bordeaux on Sunday, by eight points.

Dijon, who has 12 points, is now 18th after starting the game at the bottom of the table.

Despite starting with their formidable trio of Mbappe, Mauro Icardi and Angel Di Maria, PSG played too casually and was eventually punished for their sloppiness.

Mbappe opened the scoring when he flicked the ball past Alfred Gomis after collecting a perfect through ball from Di Maria.

Thomas Tuchel's side, however, were caught snoozing on the stroke of halftime as Keylor Navas parried a cross into the path of Chouiar, who pounced on the ball to equalize.

Two minutes into the second half, Cadiz powered his way into the box before slotting the ball between Navas’s legs to put the hosts ahead.

Tuchel replaced midfielder Leandro Paredes with striker Edinson Cavani in the 71st but the Uruguay international did little to show that he could regain his place in the starting line-up at the expense of Icardi.

"It's a big upset, we had a great first half and had the chance to score early in the second half," said Dijon captain Julio Tavares.

"We had to be at 200 percent&nbsp;and we were."

PSG's Marquinhos, wearing the skipper's armband in the absence of the ill Thiago Silva, admitted his side lacked aggression.

"It's football. When you're not present physically, not aggressive enough, that's what happens," the Brazilian said.

"We have to bounce back right away, we have to do much better. We should not stay in our comfort zone. We win when we're efficient, in front and at the back.

"We can't play like we did tonight."

PSG next host Club Brugge in a Champions League group game on Wednesday.

Paris St Germain suffered their third Ligue 1 defeat of the season when they wasted a one-goal lead to lose 2-1 at lowly Dijon on Friday. Kylian Mbappe put the leaders ahead in the 19th minute before Dijon struck back with goals by Mounir Chouiar and Jhonder Cadiz to get a deserved victory.

Paris St Germain suffered their third Ligue 1 defeat of the season when they wasted a one-goal lead to lose 2-1 at lowly Dijon on Friday. Kylian Mbappe put the leaders ahead in the 19th minute before Dijon struck back with goals by Mounir Chouiar and Jhonder Cadiz to get a deserved victory. PSG have 27 points from 12 games and lead second-placed Nantes, who travel to Girondins de Bordeaux on Sunday, by eight points. Dijon, who has 12 points, is now 18th after starting the game at the bottom of the table. Despite starting with their formidable trio of Mbappe, Mauro Icardi and Angel Di Maria, PSG played too casually and was eventually punished for their sloppiness. Mbappe opened the scoring when he flicked the ball past Alfred Gomis after collecting a perfect through ball from Di Maria. Thomas Tuchel's side, however, were caught snoozing on the stroke of halftime as Keylor Navas parried a cross into the path of Chouiar, who pounced on the ball to equalize. Two minutes into the second half, Cadiz powered his way into the box before slotting the ball between Navas’s legs to put the hosts ahead. Tuchel replaced midfielder Leandro Paredes with striker Edinson Cavani in the 71st but the Uruguay international did little to show that he could regain his place in the starting line-up at the expense of Icardi. "It's a big upset, we had a great first half and had the chance to score early in the second half," said Dijon captain Julio Tavares. "We had to be at 200 percent and we were." PSG's Marquinhos, wearing the skipper's armband in the absence of the ill Thiago Silva, admitted his side lacked aggression. "It's football. When you're not present physically, not aggressive enough, that's what happens," the Brazilian said. "We have to bounce back right away, we have to do much better. We should not stay in our comfort zone. We win when we're efficient, in front and at the back. "We can't play like we did tonight." PSG next host Club Brugge in a Champions League group game on Wednesday.

Sloppy Paris Saint Germain beaten by Dijon in Ligue 1

Mauro Icardi and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kylian-mbappe-proves-his-point-with-champions-league-hat-trick-257688">Kylian Mbappe</a> scored twice each as Paris St Germain extended their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to eight points with a 4-0 crushing of bitter rivals Olympique de Marseille at the Parc des Princes on Sunday.

Argentine striker Icardi and France forward Mbappe netted all the goals in the opening half to put PSG on 27 points from 11 games, eight ahead of their nearest challengers Nantes, and leave OM in seventh place on 16 points.

Icardi has now scored seven goals in his last seven games while Mbappe has struck five times in two matches for PSG, who were without the injured Neymar.

OM have not won against PSG in all competitions in their last 20 meetings since 2011, the year Qatar Sports Investment took over in the capital before investing more than a billion euros in transfers.

"We have been hammering you for eight years and it's not over," a banner in the Auteuil curve of the Parc des Princes read.

The banner was spot-on as PSG overwhelmed the visitors, their attacking trio of Mbappe, Icardi and Angel Di Maria proving impossible to handle.

"I'm happy to score those goals, that's why I came here," said the man of the match Icardi.

OM coach Andre Villas-Boas said PSG's players were simply too good.

"The system is not the question, it's their individual qualities that made the difference. There is no shame, I'm proud of my players," he said.

Marseille's Dimitri Payet made his return after a four-match ban for insulting a referee while Mbappe was handed his first start in two months after struggling with injuries.

The 20-year-old, who scored a hat-trick after coming on as a second-half substitute against Club Brugge in the Champions League this week, threatened early on but it was Icardi who found the back of the net first.

Steve Mandanda parried the Argentine's header for Icardi to fire home from point-blank range shortly after Valere Germain had missed a great chance for the visitors.

The French international keeper was beaten by Icardi again in the 27th minute, the striker heading home from Marco Verratti's through ball.

Mbappe made it 3-0 five minutes later, tapping in from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/di-maria-sends-psg-five-points-clear-as-nice-see-red-256983">Di Maria's</a> cross.

The Frenchman was at it again one minute from the break, collecting a defence-splitting pass from Di Maria before curling a 16-metre shot past Mandanda.

PSG took a more casual approach in the second half but came close to adding another, Mbappe missing a sitter from Icardi's pass and the opportunity to become the first player to score a hat trick in the French "classic".

He was replaced by Edinson Cavani as the Uruguay striker made his comeback after a two-month injury layoff.

Earlier, Yann Gboho's last-gasp goal earned Stade Rennais a 3-2 home victory over Toulouse which ended the Brittany side's 10-game winless run in all competitions.

The result lifted Rennes up to ninth in the standings on 15 points, ahead of 12th-placed St Etienne on goal difference after Les Verts were held to a 2-2 home draw by Stade de Reims - the first time they dropped points in the league since coach Claude Puel took over three weeks ago.

Mauro Icardi and Kylian Mbappe scored twice each as Paris St Germain extended their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to eight points with a 4-0 crushing of bitter rivals Olympique de Marseille at the Parc des Princes on Sunday.

Mauro Icardi and Kylian Mbappe scored twice each as Paris St Germain extended their lead at the top of Ligue 1 to eight points with a 4-0 crushing of bitter rivals Olympique de Marseille at the Parc des Princes on Sunday. Argentine striker Icardi and France forward Mbappe netted all the goals in the opening half to put PSG on 27 points from 11 games, eight ahead of their nearest challengers Nantes, and leave OM in seventh place on 16 points. Icardi has now scored seven goals in his last seven games while Mbappe has struck five times in two matches for PSG, who were without the injured Neymar. OM have not won against PSG in all competitions in their last 20 meetings since 2011, the year Qatar Sports Investment took over in the capital before investing more than a billion euros in transfers. "We have been hammering you for eight years and it's not over," a banner in the Auteuil curve of the Parc des Princes read. The banner was spot-on as PSG overwhelmed the visitors, their attacking trio of Mbappe, Icardi and Angel Di Maria proving impossible to handle. "I'm happy to score those goals, that's why I came here," said the man of the match Icardi. OM coach Andre Villas-Boas said PSG's players were simply too good. "The system is not the question, it's their individual qualities that made the difference. There is no shame, I'm proud of my players," he said. Marseille's Dimitri Payet made his return after a four-match ban for insulting a referee while Mbappe was handed his first start in two months after struggling with injuries. The 20-year-old, who scored a hat-trick after coming on as a second-half substitute against Club Brugge in the Champions League this week, threatened early on but it was Icardi who found the back of the net first. Steve Mandanda parried the Argentine's header for Icardi to fire home from point-blank range shortly after Valere Germain had missed a great chance for the visitors. The French international keeper was beaten by Icardi again in the 27th minute, the striker heading home from Marco Verratti's through ball. Mbappe made it 3-0 five minutes later, tapping in from Di Maria's cross. The Frenchman was at it again one minute from the break, collecting a defence-splitting pass from Di Maria before curling a 16-metre shot past Mandanda. PSG took a more casual approach in the second half but came close to adding another, Mbappe missing a sitter from Icardi's pass and the opportunity to become the first player to score a hat trick in the French "classic". He was replaced by Edinson Cavani as the Uruguay striker made his comeback after a two-month injury layoff. Earlier, Yann Gboho's last-gasp goal earned Stade Rennais a 3-2 home victory over Toulouse which ended the Brittany side's 10-game winless run in all competitions. The result lifted Rennes up to ninth in the standings on 15 points, ahead of 12th-placed St Etienne on goal difference after Les Verts were held to a 2-2 home draw by Stade de Reims - the first time they dropped points in the league since coach Claude Puel took over three weeks ago.

Football: Icardi, Mbappe shine as PSG thrash Marseille

Angel Di Maria once again proved his worth with a double that earned Paris St Germain a 4-1 win at Nice and a five-point lead in the Ligue 1 standings on Friday.

The result put PSG on 24 points from 10 games as Nice, who reduced the arrears in the second half through Ignatius Ganago, finished with nine men after Wylan Cyprien and Christophe Herelle were sent off during the last 20 minutes.

Kylian Mbappe came off the bench in the closing stages to round off the win to mark his return from injury.

Nice are&nbsp;ninth on 13 points.

Nantes, who are second on 19 points, will play Metz on Saturday with Olympique Lyonnais new coach Rudi Garcia making his debut at home against Dijon in the day’s opening match.

With Mbappe and Edinson Cavani on the bench and Neymar injured, Mauro Icardi started up front but it was Di Maria who got PSG going.

Icardi flicked the ball into the path of Di Maria, who raced into the area and beat Walter Benitez from close range to put the visitors ahead in the 15th minute.

Benitez was beaten again six minutes later when Di Maria was played through on the right flank by Leandro Paredes and found the back of the net with a lovely angled lob.

PSG comfortably held off Nice, until Ganago, set up by Kasper Dolberg, unleashed a fierce strike that went under the bar in the 67th minute.

But their hopes of levelling were dashed in the 74th minute when Cyprien was shown a second yellow card for protesting to referee Francois Letexier, who three minutes later handed Herelle a straight red card for elbowing Paredes.

“There was a foul against him and he got upset, there’s no logic there,” Ganago said of Cyprien’s red card.

Mbappe made his return from a thigh injury in the 82nd minute as he replaced Pablo Sarabia, scoring with a low shot from inside the box six minutes later.

One minute into added time, Icardi netted for the third match in a row when he tapped in from Mbappe’s cross.

Angel Di Maria once again proved his worth with a double that earned Paris St Germain a 4-1 win at Nice and a five-point lead in the Ligue 1 standings on Friday.

Angel Di Maria once again proved his worth with a double that earned Paris St Germain a 4-1 win at Nice and a five-point lead in the Ligue 1 standings on Friday. The result put PSG on 24 points from 10 games as Nice, who reduced the arrears in the second half through Ignatius Ganago, finished with nine men after Wylan Cyprien and Christophe Herelle were sent off during the last 20 minutes. Kylian Mbappe came off the bench in the closing stages to round off the win to mark his return from injury. Nice are ninth on 13 points. Nantes, who are second on 19 points, will play Metz on Saturday with Olympique Lyonnais new coach Rudi Garcia making his debut at home against Dijon in the day’s opening match. With Mbappe and Edinson Cavani on the bench and Neymar injured, Mauro Icardi started up front but it was Di Maria who got PSG going. Icardi flicked the ball into the path of Di Maria, who raced into the area and beat Walter Benitez from close range to put the visitors ahead in the 15th minute. Benitez was beaten again six minutes later when Di Maria was played through on the right flank by Leandro Paredes and found the back of the net with a lovely angled lob. PSG comfortably held off Nice, until Ganago, set up by Kasper Dolberg, unleashed a fierce strike that went under the bar in the 67th minute. But their hopes of levelling were dashed in the 74th minute when Cyprien was shown a second yellow card for protesting to referee Francois Letexier, who three minutes later handed Herelle a straight red card for elbowing Paredes. “There was a foul against him and he got upset, there’s no logic there,” Ganago said of Cyprien’s red card. Mbappe made his return from a thigh injury in the 82nd minute as he replaced Pablo Sarabia, scoring with a low shot from inside the box six minutes later. One minute into added time, Icardi netted for the third match in a row when he tapped in from Mbappe’s cross.

Di Maria sends PSG five points clear as Nice see red

France must wait to claim a place at Euro 2020 after the world champions were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Turkey in a high-octane qualifying game on Monday.

Turkey's Kaan Ayhan equalised eight minutes from time after France substitute Olivier Giroud opened the scoring in the 76th as the visitors stayed top of Group H with 19 points from eight games, ahead of Les Bleus due to a 2-0 win in Konya last June.

Iceland is third on 15 points after goals by Arnor Sigurdsson and Kolbeinn Sigthorsson earned a 2-0 home victory over Andorra, with Albania fourth on 12 points following a 4-0 away win against Moldova.

French police were on high alert after President Emmanuel Macron said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/day-5-of-turkeys-military-operation-in-syria-255702">Turkey's military operation </a>against Kurdish forces in Syria could lead to an “unsustainable humanitarian situation” and threatened to “help the Islamic State group re-emerge in the region".

With up to 40,000 Turkey fans expected at the stadium, some 1,000 police officers were on duty in and around the Stade de France to prevent potential crowd trouble, but the atmosphere remained peaceful throughout the evening.

"We could have avoided that goal," France coach Didier Deschamps said. "We did everything we needed to win that game, we had the chances, they didn't, but it is what it is.

"It's a good point. We'll have to finish the job in November," he added, saying Turkey, who have picked up four points against France, deserved to top the group.

"We are the two best teams in the group. Qualifiers are always complicated, it's a long road. We should have been more efficient. They defended a lot and they deserve to be where they are."

France take on Moldova and Turkey host Iceland in the next round of matches in November.

The world champions were still without injured goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, striker Kylian Mbappe and midfielder Paul Pogba, and Wissam Ben Yedder started up front in place of Giroud, who paid for his lack of playing time with Chelsea.

France were the most dangerous side as Turkey struggled to cope with the pace of Kingsley Coman but the visiting defence, which had conceded only two goals in qualifying so far, held firm.

France midfielder Moussa Sissoko's low shot was blocked by keeper Mert Gunok and Antoine Griezmann's curled shot went just wide as Les Bleus piled on the pressure.

Turkey, however, created a chance to opening the scoring on the hour only for Burak Yilmaz to sky his attempt over the bar at the end of a quick counter-attack.

With Ben Yedder struggling to find space, Deschamps replaced him with Giroud in the 72nd minute and it the substitute took four minutes to make an impact, heading home Griezmann's corner kick.

The hosts' joy, however, was short-lived as Turkey levelled six minutes later when Ayhan nodded in a free kick.

France must wait to claim a place at Euro 2020 after the world champions were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Turkey in a high-octane qualifying game on Monday. Turkey's Kaan Ayhan equalised eight minutes from time after France substitute Olivier Giroud opened the scoring in the 76th as the visitors stayed top of Group H with 19 points from eight games, ahead of Les Bleus due to a 2-0 win in Konya last June.

France must wait to claim a place at Euro 2020 after the world champions were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Turkey in a high-octane qualifying game on Monday. Turkey's Kaan Ayhan equalised eight minutes from time after France substitute Olivier Giroud opened the scoring in the 76th as the visitors stayed top of Group H with 19 points from eight games, ahead of Les Bleus due to a 2-0 win in Konya last June. Iceland is third on 15 points after goals by Arnor Sigurdsson and Kolbeinn Sigthorsson earned a 2-0 home victory over Andorra, with Albania fourth on 12 points following a 4-0 away win against Moldova. French police were on high alert after President Emmanuel Macron said Turkey's military operation against Kurdish forces in Syria could lead to an “unsustainable humanitarian situation” and threatened to “help the Islamic State group re-emerge in the region". With up to 40,000 Turkey fans expected at the stadium, some 1,000 police officers were on duty in and around the Stade de France to prevent potential crowd trouble, but the atmosphere remained peaceful throughout the evening. "We could have avoided that goal," France coach Didier Deschamps said. "We did everything we needed to win that game, we had the chances, they didn't, but it is what it is. "It's a good point. We'll have to finish the job in November," he added, saying Turkey, who have picked up four points against France, deserved to top the group. "We are the two best teams in the group. Qualifiers are always complicated, it's a long road. We should have been more efficient. They defended a lot and they deserve to be where they are." France take on Moldova and Turkey host Iceland in the next round of matches in November. The world champions were still without injured goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, striker Kylian Mbappe and midfielder Paul Pogba, and Wissam Ben Yedder started up front in place of Giroud, who paid for his lack of playing time with Chelsea. France were the most dangerous side as Turkey struggled to cope with the pace of Kingsley Coman but the visiting defence, which had conceded only two goals in qualifying so far, held firm. France midfielder Moussa Sissoko's low shot was blocked by keeper Mert Gunok and Antoine Griezmann's curled shot went just wide as Les Bleus piled on the pressure. Turkey, however, created a chance to opening the scoring on the hour only for Burak Yilmaz to sky his attempt over the bar at the end of a quick counter-attack. With Ben Yedder struggling to find space, Deschamps replaced him with Giroud in the 72nd minute and it the substitute took four minutes to make an impact, heading home Griezmann's corner kick. The hosts' joy, however, was short-lived as Turkey levelled six minutes later when Ayhan nodded in a free kick.

Euro 2020 qualifier: Turkey hold world champions France

France striker Kylian&nbsp;Mbappe&nbsp;has been&nbsp;ruled&nbsp;out&nbsp;of their&nbsp;Euro&nbsp;2020&nbsp;qualifiers&nbsp;against Iceland and Turkey through injury, the French football federation said on Tuesday.

Paris St Germain's&nbsp;Mbappe, who has been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/psg-lose-mbappe-for-a-month-with-hamstring-injury-cavani-out-for-three-weeks-245837">struggling with a recurring thigh problem</a>, has been replaced in the squad by Borussia Moenchengladbach forward Alassane Plea.

France travel to Iceland in Group H on Friday before hosting Turkey at the Stade de France on Monday.

The world champions are second in Group H on 15 points, behind Turkey by virtue of their defeat in Konya last June, while Iceland is third with 12 points after six matches.

France striker Kylian Mbappe has been ruled out of their Euro 2020 qualifiers against Iceland and Turkey through injury, the French football federation said on Tuesday.

France striker Kylian Mbappe has been ruled out of their Euro 2020 qualifiers against Iceland and Turkey through injury, the French football federation said on Tuesday. Paris St Germain's Mbappe, who has been struggling with a recurring thigh problem, has been replaced in the squad by Borussia Moenchengladbach forward Alassane Plea. France travel to Iceland in Group H on Friday before hosting Turkey at the Stade de France on Monday. The world champions are second in Group H on 15 points, behind Turkey by virtue of their defeat in Konya last June, while Iceland is third with 12 points after six matches.

Euro 2020 qualifiers: Mbappe ruled out against Iceland, Turkey due to injury

Kylian Mbappe answered his critics with a sterling performance as France thrashed Iceland 4-0 in a Euro 2020 qualifier on Monday, showing no signs of irritation this time to continue his meteoric rise.

The striker, whose nerves had been pointed out in the 4-1 win against Moldova last Friday, kept his cool throughout to find the back of the net after the break and set up Samuel Umtiti and Antoine Griezmann for the first and fourth goals.

In Chisinau, the Paris St Germain forward often sought individual solutions and was booked for diving, appearing less threatening than usual.

Coach Didier Deschamps, however, was never worried by a player who has now scored 12 and delivered seven assists in 30 games for France.

"There's no problem with Kylian. He's in the game like all the others. If you had been a football player you would understand," Deschamps said at the Stade de France.

The 20-year-old's goal in Paris on Monday meant he became the youngest player to score 12 international goals since Denmark's Harald Nielsen, then 18, in 1960.

"Mbappe? He is a great player, he proves it everyday. He is a phenomenon and sometimes, when you are one, you want to do more," said midfielder Blaise Matuidi.

"He's got character, it's a good thing. He already has a lot of maturity."

Mbappe is set to gain even more maturity as he benefits from Deschamps's full trust, having been fielded in France's last 28 games, the longest series since Patrick Vieira played 44 successive matches between 1999 and 2002.

Deschamps also noted that Mbappe's relationship with fellow striker Griezmann had improved.

"They are efficient. There is a complementary partnership between Antoine and Kylian, and not just when they have the ball. It's also how they occupy space when they don't have it," the coach said.

Kylian Mbappe answered his critics with a sterling performance as France thrashed Iceland 4-0 in a Euro 2020 qualifier on Monday, showing no signs of irritation this time to continue his meteoric rise.

Kylian Mbappe answered his critics with a sterling performance as France thrashed Iceland 4-0 in a Euro 2020 qualifier on Monday, showing no signs of irritation this time to continue his meteoric rise. The striker, whose nerves had been pointed out in the 4-1 win against Moldova last Friday, kept his cool throughout to find the back of the net after the break and set up Samuel Umtiti and Antoine Griezmann for the first and fourth goals. In Chisinau, the Paris St Germain forward often sought individual solutions and was booked for diving, appearing less threatening than usual. Coach Didier Deschamps, however, was never worried by a player who has now scored 12 and delivered seven assists in 30 games for France. "There's no problem with Kylian. He's in the game like all the others. If you had been a football player you would understand," Deschamps said at the Stade de France. The 20-year-old's goal in Paris on Monday meant he became the youngest player to score 12 international goals since Denmark's Harald Nielsen, then 18, in 1960. "Mbappe? He is a great player, he proves it everyday. He is a phenomenon and sometimes, when you are one, you want to do more," said midfielder Blaise Matuidi. "He's got character, it's a good thing. He already has a lot of maturity." Mbappe is set to gain even more maturity as he benefits from Deschamps's full trust, having been fielded in France's last 28 games, the longest series since Patrick Vieira played 44 successive matches between 1999 and 2002. Deschamps also noted that Mbappe's relationship with fellow striker Griezmann had improved. "They are efficient. There is a complementary partnership between Antoine and Kylian, and not just when they have the ball. It's also how they occupy space when they don't have it," the coach said.

Kylian Mbappe continues his rise with France in Iceland rout

French football talent Kylian Mbappe was elected the French Player of the Year, the France Football magazine has announced.

The World Cup winner Mbappe finished atop in the vote ahead of Raphael Varane and Antoine Griezmann.

He helped France claim its second FIFA World Cup title this summer in Russia, winning the tournament's Best Young Player award himself.

On club level, Mbappe became the winner of Ligue 1, French Cup and French League Cup with Paris Saint-Germain. He scored 34 goals in all competitions in 2018.

The French Player of the Year is presented annually by the France Football magazine since 1959.&nbsp;

Last year's winner of the award was Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante.

French football talent Kylian Mbappe was elected the French Player of the Year, the France Football magazine has announced. The World Cup winner Mbappe finished atop in the vote ahead of Raphael Varane and Antoine Griezmann.

French football talent Kylian Mbappe was elected the French Player of the Year, the France Football magazine has announced. The World Cup winner Mbappe finished atop in the vote ahead of Raphael Varane and Antoine Griezmann. He helped France claim its second FIFA World Cup title this summer in Russia, winning the tournament's Best Young Player award himself. On club level, Mbappe became the winner of Ligue 1, French Cup and French League Cup with Paris Saint-Germain. He scored 34 goals in all competitions in 2018. The French Player of the Year is presented annually by the France Football magazine since 1959. Last year's winner of the award was Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante.

Kylian Mbappe elected French Player of the Year

Paris St Germain said on Wednesday that Neymar had suffered a groin strain and Kylian Mbappe a bruised shoulder while on international duty, a week ahead of a crucial Champions League clash against Liverpool.

Neymar strained his right adductor muscle and had to come off seven minutes into Brazil's 1-0 win over Cameroon on Tuesday, while fellow forward Mbappe fell awkwardly before halftime in France's 1-0 victory over Uruguay and was also withdrawn.

"They will undergo a 48-hour period of treatment before further evaluation," PSG said in a statement.

The French club are at home to Toulouse on Saturday and will hope to extend their record-breaking start to the Ligue 1 season with a 14th consecutive victory, before playing Liverpool on Nov. 28.

PSG sit third in Champions League Group C, a point behind leaders Napoli and Liverpool with two matches left to play.

Paris St Germain said on Wednesday that Neymar had suffered a groin strain and Kylian Mbappe a bruised shoulder while on international duty, a week ahead of a crucial Champions League clash against Liverpool.

Paris St Germain said on Wednesday that Neymar had suffered a groin strain and Kylian Mbappe a bruised shoulder while on international duty, a week ahead of a crucial Champions League clash against Liverpool. Neymar strained his right adductor muscle and had to come off seven minutes into Brazil's 1-0 win over Cameroon on Tuesday, while fellow forward Mbappe fell awkwardly before halftime in France's 1-0 victory over Uruguay and was also withdrawn. "They will undergo a 48-hour period of treatment before further evaluation," PSG said in a statement. The French club are at home to Toulouse on Saturday and will hope to extend their record-breaking start to the Ligue 1 season with a 14th consecutive victory, before playing Liverpool on Nov. 28. PSG sit third in Champions League Group C, a point behind leaders Napoli and Liverpool with two matches left to play.

PSG's Neymar suffers groin strain, Mbappe bruises shoulder

World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe scored four goals in 14 second-half minutes to lead Paris St Germain to a 5-0 win over Olympique Lyonnais on Sunday as they became the first team in Ligue 1 history to win their first nine games.

PSG, who were flattered by the scoreline, took their goal tally to 32 as they moved eight points clear at the top after a bruising match where both teams finished the first half with 10 men.

Lyonnais, who had to substitute two players before halftime because of injury, more than held their own for the first hour and hit the post with the score at 1-0.

Brazilian Neymar converted a penalty to give&nbsp;PSG&nbsp;a ninth-minute lead but the game took a dramatic turn when the hosts had Presnel Kimpembe sent off in the 32nd minute for a dangerous studs-up tackle on Tanguy Ndombele.

The referee initially gave a yellow card but changed it to red after a VAR review.

The numbers were evened up in first-half stoppage time after Lucas Tousart was given a second yellow card for tripping Mbappe and was sent off for the second game in a row.

Lyonnais nearly snatched an equaliser in extraordinary circumstances after halftime when&nbsp;PSG defender Thiago Silva fired a clearance straight at Maxwell Cornet and the ball came off him and struck the foot of the post.

Mbappe, who until then had been anonymous, also hit the post from the next move and shortly afterwards the floodgates opened.

The 19-year-old extended&nbsp;PSG's lead in the 61st minute with a shot which went in off both posts and then tapped in a short pass from Marquinhos after Lyonnais failed to clear the ball.

He completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute after Neymar sent him clear of the defence and he ran on to finish emphatically.

Five minutes later, he drilled home the ball after it ricocheted around the Lyonnais penalty area.

AS Monaco's dismal season continued with a 2-1 home defeat by Rennes, leaving last season's runners-up 18th in the 20-team table with six points.

Damien Da Silva took advantage of poor defending to give Rennes a 14th-minute lead and Monaco had Andrea Raggi sent off at the end of the first half for aiming a punch at Clement Grenier at a corner.

Radamel Falcao levelled four minutes after the restart but Hatem Ben Arfa's long-range drive sealed Monaco's fate 13 minutes from time.

Nantes's new coach Vahid Halilhodzic had an awful debut at Bordeaux as his side conceded twice in the first eight minutes on the way to a 3-0 defeat. The 66-year-old former Japan and Algeria coach replaced Miguel Cardoso on Tuesday.

Olympique Marseille moved up to third (16 points) by beating Caen 2-0 with first-half goals from Kostas Mitroglou and Florian Thauvin.

World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe scored four goals in 14 second-half minutes to lead Paris St Germain to a 5-0 win over Olympique Lyonnais on Sunday as they became the first team in Ligue 1 history to win their first nine games.

World Cup winner Kylian Mbappe scored four goals in 14 second-half minutes to lead Paris St Germain to a 5-0 win over Olympique Lyonnais on Sunday as they became the first team in Ligue 1 history to win their first nine games. PSG, who were flattered by the scoreline, took their goal tally to 32 as they moved eight points clear at the top after a bruising match where both teams finished the first half with 10 men. Lyonnais, who had to substitute two players before halftime because of injury, more than held their own for the first hour and hit the post with the score at 1-0. Brazilian Neymar converted a penalty to give PSG a ninth-minute lead but the game took a dramatic turn when the hosts had Presnel Kimpembe sent off in the 32nd minute for a dangerous studs-up tackle on Tanguy Ndombele. The referee initially gave a yellow card but changed it to red after a VAR review. The numbers were evened up in first-half stoppage time after Lucas Tousart was given a second yellow card for tripping Mbappe and was sent off for the second game in a row. Lyonnais nearly snatched an equaliser in extraordinary circumstances after halftime when PSG defender Thiago Silva fired a clearance straight at Maxwell Cornet and the ball came off him and struck the foot of the post. Mbappe, who until then had been anonymous, also hit the post from the next move and shortly afterwards the floodgates opened. The 19-year-old extended PSG's lead in the 61st minute with a shot which went in off both posts and then tapped in a short pass from Marquinhos after Lyonnais failed to clear the ball. He completed his hat-trick in the 69th minute after Neymar sent him clear of the defence and he ran on to finish emphatically. Five minutes later, he drilled home the ball after it ricocheted around the Lyonnais penalty area. AS Monaco's dismal season continued with a 2-1 home defeat by Rennes, leaving last season's runners-up 18th in the 20-team table with six points. Damien Da Silva took advantage of poor defending to give Rennes a 14th-minute lead and Monaco had Andrea Raggi sent off at the end of the first half for aiming a punch at Clement Grenier at a corner. Radamel Falcao levelled four minutes after the restart but Hatem Ben Arfa's long-range drive sealed Monaco's fate 13 minutes from time. Nantes's new coach Vahid Halilhodzic had an awful debut at Bordeaux as his side conceded twice in the first eight minutes on the way to a 3-0 defeat. The 66-year-old former Japan and Algeria coach replaced Miguel Cardoso on Tuesday. Olympique Marseille moved up to third (16 points) by beating Caen 2-0 with first-half goals from Kostas Mitroglou and Florian Thauvin.

Mbappe scores four in 14 minutes in PSG rout

Another day and another day of transfer rumours. So without me being a fork in the soup, let&#39;s just get started with today&#39;s goss.

Romelu Lukaku

Let&#39;s start Monday with the big Belgian. The Everton striker, the league&#39;s top-scorer, is wanted by several big Premier League clubs, including his former club Chelsea.

But Sun believes that he is likely to reject the Blues and instead sign for Manchester United.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XNwyaADU2xo" width="560"></iframe>

The UK tabloid says this year&#39;s Premier League top-scorer is unsure as to how he would fit in Antonio Conte&#39;s team.

But despair not, fans of Diego Costa-less Chelsea. Not all is lost. The report goes on to state that Lukaku aspires to play in the Champions League and United getting a berth is far from certain.

Alvaro Morata

The Real Madrid striker is another player in hot demand.

And it is the same two protagonists. Nope, we won&#39;t just track Manchester United and Chelsea transfer stories, I promise.

But here, it is Chelsea that is coveted and not United.

Dario Gol reports that the player held several meetings with clubs across Europe, but has penned down Stamford Bridge as his next destination.

Morata did his reputation no harm over the weekend by scoring a couple during Real&#39;s mauling of Granada.

Radja Nainggolan&nbsp;and&nbsp;Antonio Rudiger

I honestly am not a Chelsea fan. It&#39;s not my fault that the fantastical, but sometimes real, world of football transfer world have taken a liking to Chelsea to beat away its Monday morning blues.

Or maybe the Sun&nbsp;just has more dope on the Blues today.

Their report suggests that Chelsea gaffer Conte is planning to raid Roma this summer, and splash out 70 million GBP to bring the duo to Stamford bridge.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8MRCa9z_iJQ" width="560"></iframe>

Midfielder Nainggolan was close to signing for Chelsea last season but the deal collapsed as the club failed to comply with Roma&#39;s 32 million GBP demand.

Rudiger, who has been a rock in Roma&#39;s backline, since joining from Stuttgart in 2015.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IhC4TS16qGk" width="560"></iframe>

Ross Barkley

Tottenham&nbsp;are interested in him. So would their fierce cross-town rivals be left out?

Arsenal too have shown their interest in the 23-year-old England international.

Both the clubs are keeping a hawkish eye on developments in the next few days. They plan to swoop in for him if his talks with his current employers Everton fall through.

Luka Modric

Bayern Munich are keen to replace the Xabi Alonso with the Real midfielder, according to Don Balon.

Kylian Mbappe

The teenage sensation doesn&#39;t seem to be keen on joining Manchester United, if L&#39;Equipe is to be believed.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/football-transfer-news-which-spanish-giant-is-launching-a-bid-for-coutinho-and-more-15266">More transfer news</a>

(WION)

Also, what about Morata? And which club is interested in Modric?

Another day and another day of transfer rumours. So without me being a fork in the soup, let's just get started with today's goss. Romelu Lukaku Let's start Monday with the big Belgian. The Everton striker, the league's top-scorer, is wanted by several big Premier League clubs, including his former club Chelsea. But Sun believes that he is likely to reject the Blues and instead sign for Manchester United. The UK tabloid says this year's Premier League top-scorer is unsure as to how he would fit in Antonio Conte's team. But despair not, fans of Diego Costa-less Chelsea. Not all is lost. The report goes on to state that Lukaku aspires to play in the Champions League and United getting a berth is far from certain. Alvaro Morata The Real Madrid striker is another player in hot demand. And it is the same two protagonists. Nope, we won't just track Manchester United and Chelsea transfer stories, I promise. But here, it is Chelsea that is coveted and not United. Dario Gol reports that the player held several meetings with clubs across Europe, but has penned down Stamford Bridge as his next destination. Morata did his reputation no harm over the weekend by scoring a couple during Real's mauling of Granada. Radja Nainggolan and Antonio Rudiger I honestly am not a Chelsea fan. It's not my fault that the fantastical, but sometimes real, world of football transfer world have taken a liking to Chelsea to beat away its Monday morning blues. Or maybe the Sun just has more dope on the Blues today. Their report suggests that Chelsea gaffer Conte is planning to raid Roma this summer, and splash out 70 million GBP to bring the duo to Stamford bridge. Midfielder Nainggolan was close to signing for Chelsea last season but the deal collapsed as the club failed to comply with Roma's 32 million GBP demand. Rudiger, who has been a rock in Roma's backline, since joining from Stuttgart in 2015. Ross Barkley Tottenham are interested in him. So would their fierce cross-town rivals be left out? Arsenal too have shown their interest in the 23-year-old England international. Both the clubs are keeping a hawkish eye on developments in the next few days. They plan to swoop in for him if his talks with his current employers Everton fall through. Luka Modric Bayern Munich are keen to replace the Xabi Alonso with the Real midfielder, according to Don Balon. Kylian Mbappe The teenage sensation doesn't seem to be keen on joining Manchester United, if L'Equipe is to be believed. More transfer news (WION)

Football transfer news: Is Lukaku joining Man United or Chelsea?

The football agents are up and about, ready to embark on another day of wheeling and dealing in the universe of European football.

The following are some of the stories that we heard through the grapevine.&nbsp;And believe me some of the stories are juicy indeed.

Philippe Coutinho

Let&#39;s begin the day with the juiciest bit of news (But I&#39;d suggest Liverpool fans to look away).

Coutinho, the playmer that makes Liverpool tick, has grabbed Barcelona&#39;s attention, according to AS.

The Catalan giants have prepared a 51 million GBP offer for the Brazilian and are keen to bring him to Camp Nou.

Surely that would make Jurgen Klopp froth at the mouth with rage as Coutinho has been integral to everything that Liverpool do.

Though Coutinho has had an injury-ravaged season, he has still managed to represent the Reds 27 times this year, scoring 10 goals in the process.

But it is not just the goals that makes him improtant, the playmaker/attacking midfielder is the fulcrum of the free-flowing football that Anfield has witnessed during Klopp&#39;s tenure.

Here&#39;s a taster of how important he is for Liverpool:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/trmJIDSNepM" width="560"></iframe>

If the deal does go through, the only upshot would be that Liverpool will make a decent profit of 42.5 million GBP. (Coutinho&#39;s services were acquired for 8.5 million GBP).&nbsp;

Kylian Mbappe

I know, I know. It&#39;s tiring to open the transfer section and read about the new kid in town.

It&#39;s tiring for me to type it out too. But believe me, this has all the ingredients to be a summer-long saga. So let&#39;s embrace it and go along with the ride.

What we know is that a clutch of major football powerhouses are in the races to get the French teenager.

We also know that Manchester United reportedly made a 72 million GBP for the speedy forward. And some media reports suggest that the bid has been declined by Monaco. In case you didn&#39;t know, let me just plug the story <a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/football-transfer-news-mbappe-on-city-psg-radar-de-geas-madrid-saga-15189">here</a>.

But it&#39;s a new day and there&#39;s a new story.

Manchester United may have bid first, but it is Real Madrid that stands at the front of the queue.

And if Daily Mail is to be believed, the rising star has &quot;said yes&quot; to joining Los Blancos. But something tells me, this is not over yet...

Ronald Koeman

In case you were living under a rock, I need to inform you that Barcelona will be coach-less at the end of the year.

Luis Enrique has decided to step down as Barca boss and the Catalan giants are preparing a list of candidates that can take over.

And Koeman has taken the opportunity to flaunt his love for Barcelona, a club where he played from 1989 to 1995.&nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/z5fR2bwqXYg" width="560"></iframe>

&quot;Everyone knows that I am from Barca, they know my love for a club where I grew up as a player and as a person,&quot; he told Sport.

&quot;In football, as in life, as in business, everything can be talked about and discussed.

&quot;In my life as a professional coach I have two dreams to fulfil. One, coach my country, Holland [he was previously assistant to Guus Hiddink for the 1998 World Cup].

&quot;My other wish, my other dream, is to one day coach Barca. That&#39;s the truth.

&quot;I now owe Everton. We have a very powerful and exciting project and we will reinforce our best to try to reach next season the Champions League.&quot;

Now, that&#39;s an impressive statement of purpose to his prospective bosses, while at the same time&nbsp;he keeps his current bosses by his side too.

Alvaro Morata

The 24-year-old striker has caught Manchester United gaffer Jose Mourinho&#39;s attention.

Multiple reports suggest that Old Trafford is looking to replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic with the Real Madrid forward.

Is getting him a possibility? Sure. he hardly gets to play for Real Madrid -- anyone would, considering there&#39;s Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez&nbsp;and Isco to contend with.

Is there a hitch? Sure. A certain Chelsea is also monitoring him closely.&nbsp;

James Rodriguez

Yes, him. Remember the Colombian who made a huge splash at the World Cup, winning the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup?

You don&#39;t. Never mind, here&#39;s a refresher video:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hO41kJJTFik" width="560"></iframe>

There are rumours abuzz about Manchester United looking to get him as part of a swap deal with David De Gea.

De Gea&nbsp;is keen to go to Real Madrid and United are looking to leverage him for the 25-year-old with a feared left foot.

Arda Turan

I hate to do this but it&#39;s another piece of bad news for Gooners.

The Turkish &#39;Zizou&#39; is not too keen to join Arsenal. Instead, he wants to fight it out at Barcelona, according to The Independent.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/football-transfer-news-mbappe-on-city-psg-radar-de-geas-madrid-saga-15189">May 3 transfer gossip</a>

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/football-transfers-bayern-eye-sanchez-united-look-to-griezmann-15235">May 4 transfer gossip</a>

(WION)

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Also, Manchester United's transfer wishlist and the Mbappe transfer saga

The football agents are up and about, ready to embark on another day of wheeling and dealing in the universe of European football. The following are some of the stories that we heard through the grapevine. And believe me some of the stories are juicy indeed. Philippe Coutinho Let's begin the day with the juiciest bit of news (But I'd suggest Liverpool fans to look away). Coutinho, the playmer that makes Liverpool tick, has grabbed Barcelona's attention, according to AS. The Catalan giants have prepared a 51 million GBP offer for the Brazilian and are keen to bring him to Camp Nou. Surely that would make Jurgen Klopp froth at the mouth with rage as Coutinho has been integral to everything that Liverpool do. Though Coutinho has had an injury-ravaged season, he has still managed to represent the Reds 27 times this year, scoring 10 goals in the process. But it is not just the goals that makes him improtant, the playmaker/attacking midfielder is the fulcrum of the free-flowing football that Anfield has witnessed during Klopp's tenure. Here's a taster of how important he is for Liverpool: If the deal does go through, the only upshot would be that Liverpool will make a decent profit of 42.5 million GBP. (Coutinho's services were acquired for 8.5 million GBP). Kylian Mbappe I know, I know. It's tiring to open the transfer section and read about the new kid in town. It's tiring for me to type it out too. But believe me, this has all the ingredients to be a summer-long saga. So let's embrace it and go along with the ride. What we know is that a clutch of major football powerhouses are in the races to get the French teenager. We also know that Manchester United reportedly made a 72 million GBP for the speedy forward. And some media reports suggest that the bid has been declined by Monaco. In case you didn't know, let me just plug the story here. But it's a new day and there's a new story. Manchester United may have bid first, but it is Real Madrid that stands at the front of the queue. And if Daily Mail is to be believed, the rising star has "said yes" to joining Los Blancos. But something tells me, this is not over yet... Ronald Koeman In case you were living under a rock, I need to inform you that Barcelona will be coach-less at the end of the year. Luis Enrique has decided to step down as Barca boss and the Catalan giants are preparing a list of candidates that can take over. And Koeman has taken the opportunity to flaunt his love for Barcelona, a club where he played from 1989 to 1995. "Everyone knows that I am from Barca, they know my love for a club where I grew up as a player and as a person," he told Sport. "In football, as in life, as in business, everything can be talked about and discussed. "In my life as a professional coach I have two dreams to fulfil. One, coach my country, Holland [he was previously assistant to Guus Hiddink for the 1998 World Cup]. "My other wish, my other dream, is to one day coach Barca. That's the truth. "I now owe Everton. We have a very powerful and exciting project and we will reinforce our best to try to reach next season the Champions League." Now, that's an impressive statement of purpose to his prospective bosses, while at the same time he keeps his current bosses by his side too. Alvaro Morata The 24-year-old striker has caught Manchester United gaffer Jose Mourinho's attention. Multiple reports suggest that Old Trafford is looking to replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic with the Real Madrid forward. Is getting him a possibility? Sure. he hardly gets to play for Real Madrid -- anyone would, considering there's Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez and Isco to contend with. Is there a hitch? Sure. A certain Chelsea is also monitoring him closely. James Rodriguez Yes, him. Remember the Colombian who made a huge splash at the World Cup, winning the Golden Boot at the 2014 World Cup? You don't. Never mind, here's a refresher video: There are rumours abuzz about Manchester United looking to get him as part of a swap deal with David De Gea. De Gea is keen to go to Real Madrid and United are looking to leverage him for the 25-year-old with a feared left foot. Arda Turan I hate to do this but it's another piece of bad news for Gooners. The Turkish 'Zizou' is not too keen to join Arsenal. Instead, he wants to fight it out at Barcelona, according to The Independent. May 3 transfer gossip May 4 transfer gossip (WION)

Football transfer news: Which Spanish giant is launching a bid for Coutinho and more

The football season is at the business end. The big teams are slugging it out for the big trophies, both in Europe and on the domestic front, while the teams languishing at the bottom of the league table are scrapping it out for survival.

But every club in Europe have their eyes on the upcoming transfer market, and have been working the backchannels&nbsp;to strengthen their teams.

Here are some of the transfer rumours doing the round:

Pierre Mbappe

Monaco wonderkid Pierre Mbappe is a transfer target for PSG and Manchester City, according to Goal.com.&nbsp;

Manchester United, Juventus, Real Madrid and Barcelona have already shown their interest in the teenage French forward.

Manchester United has apparently made a 71 million GBP bid for Mbappe, but Monaco want another 47 million GBP, according to Gianluca di Marzio.&nbsp;

But Sky Sports report that no bid has been made for the forward yet.

David de Gea

The Manchester United goalkeeper will be allowed to hold talks with Real Madrid, according to reports.

The Manchester-based club will be looking to replace him with either&nbsp;Atletico Madrid&rsquo;s Jan Oblak or AC Milan&rsquo;s 18-year-old goalkeeper&nbsp;Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Madrid may have to splash 50 million GBP to land the de Gea, multiple reports suggest.

Cesc Fabregas

The Chelsea midfielder is on AC MIlan&#39;s radar, according to Corriere dello&nbsp;Sport.

The former Arsenal star is wanted by Liverpool too, according to Daily Star.

Turan

Barcelona are willing to offload Turkish star Arda Turan.&nbsp;Philippe Coutinho, Hector Bellerin, Theo Hernandez and Marco Verratti on their shortlist to replace him, according to Sky Sports.

David Moyes

Sunderland boss Moyes faces the prospect of being sacked following the club&#39;s relegation.

Kingsley Coman

Times reports that Manchester City is willing to pay 50 million GBP for the Bayern winger.

Andrea Belotti

Manchester United have shown their interest in the Torino forward, ESPN suggests, though some reports suggest Belotti is keen on joining Chelsea.

Hector Bellerin

Barcelona is willing to splurge on the Arsenal defender. The former Barca right-back has been put on high priority by the Catalan giants.

(WION)

 
 
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Manchester United have reportedly made a bid for Mbappe too

The football season is at the business end. The big teams are slugging it out for the big trophies, both in Europe and on the domestic front, while the teams languishing at the bottom of the league table are scrapping it out for survival. But every club in Europe have their eyes on the upcoming transfer market, and have been working the backchannels to strengthen their teams. Here are some of the transfer rumours doing the round: Pierre Mbappe Monaco wonderkid Pierre Mbappe is a transfer target for PSG and Manchester City, according to Goal.com. Manchester United, Juventus, Real Madrid and Barcelona have already shown their interest in the teenage French forward. Manchester United has apparently made a 71 million GBP bid for Mbappe, but Monaco want another 47 million GBP, according to Gianluca di Marzio. But Sky Sports report that no bid has been made for the forward yet. David de Gea The Manchester United goalkeeper will be allowed to hold talks with Real Madrid, according to reports. The Manchester-based club will be looking to replace him with either Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak or AC Milan’s 18-year-old goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Madrid may have to splash 50 million GBP to land the de Gea, multiple reports suggest. Cesc Fabregas The Chelsea midfielder is on AC MIlan's radar, according to Corriere dello Sport. The former Arsenal star is wanted by Liverpool too, according to Daily Star. Turan Barcelona are willing to offload Turkish star Arda Turan. Philippe Coutinho, Hector Bellerin, Theo Hernandez and Marco Verratti on their shortlist to replace him, according to Sky Sports. David Moyes Sunderland boss Moyes faces the prospect of being sacked following the club's relegation. Kingsley Coman Times reports that Manchester City is willing to pay 50 million GBP for the Bayern winger. Andrea Belotti Manchester United have shown their interest in the Torino forward, ESPN suggests, though some reports suggest Belotti is keen on joining Chelsea. Hector Bellerin Barcelona is willing to splurge on the Arsenal defender. The former Barca right-back has been put on high priority by the Catalan giants. (WION)

Football transfer news: Mbappe on City, PSG radar; De Gea's Madrid saga

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