Real Madrid hopes of signing Monaco striker Kylian Mbappe were dashed by Manchester United not making a move to bring Gareth Bale back to the Premier League.
Madrid president Florentino Perez had hoped to lure the talented striker to the Santiago Bernabeu, but he eventually ended up at Paris Saint-Germain.
In July Madrid were convinced they could add the 18-year-old forward to their strike force, although the issue changed after meeting his father Wilfried Mbappe in Los Angeles, according to Marca.
The Monaco striker was thrilled with the idea of signing for Madrid but his father did not think he would get enough game-time with the BBC strike force - Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale - still at the club.
Madrid realised the biggest obstacle between them and Mbappe was his father’s doubts about his potential minutes.
The board agreed that Bale was the best option to depart, the least important member of the attack, yet the one they would make the most money by selling.
However, despite some overt moves by Jose Mourinho towards Bale during Manchester United’s tour of the United States, no offer from the Red Devils was forthcoming.
Madrid stalled, while Paris Saint-Germain’s huge offer was convincing, with the French club guaranteeing the forward playing time.
Eventually Mbappe decided to sign for PSG, with Wilfried telling Madrid their dreams of signing his son were over.
