REAL MADRID are upping the ante in their pursuit of Kylian Mbappe with the club rumoured to be considering recruiting Luis Campos.
Reports claim the club believe the ex-Lille director – who is thought to have close ties with the striker – could strengthen their chances of signing the France ace.
And Spanish newspaper Marca claims the club believe Campos, 56, could be key in helping them acquire one of Europe’s most feared centre-forwards.
The reports come after a phenomenal season at club level for the Paris Saint-Germain star, who was one of the shining lights for France during their disappointing Euros.
The Parc des Prince forward, 22, who has one year left on his current contract, netted 42 goals in 47 appearances across all competitions.
And SunSport reports the Bernabeu side were open to selling Raphael Varane to Man United to fund a move for his international team-mate Mbappe.
Campos was employed as a Madrid scout and tactics guru from 2012 to 2013 during Jose Mourinho’s tenure.
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And the Portugal-born football expert is reported to have developed close ties with Madrid president Florentino Perez before becoming Monaco’s sporting director in 2013.
It was there that Campos is thought to have nurtured warm links with a then 14-year-old Mbappe starting out on his career in the Ligue One club’s academy.
However, the former Madrid scout is keen to play down his connection with the PSG striker.
In a L’Equipe interview, Campos said: ‘It’s true that I know the family well since Kylian was 14 years old. We have a great friendship, but that’s all.”
Campos would go on to take up a sporting director position at Lille from 2016 to December 2020 boosting his credentials as one of Europe’s best scouting specialists.
The Daily Mail claims the club is undergoing a restructure behind the scenes following the June appointment of new manager Carlo Ancelotti.
And following his Stade Pierre Mauroy departure last year, Campos has been heavily linked with a return to Spain and the Bernabeu.
But the former Lille director has downplayed speculation concerning a move back to Madrid.
Campos told L’Equipe: ‘I had a very good relationship with the president and the directors
“But, for now, I can assure you that there is nothing (agreed) with anyone.”
Reports claim Madrid could find themselves battling Mbappe’s current employers PSG for Campos’ services.
The Paris giant’s current sporting director Leonardo has come under pressure following the club missing out on a Champions League trophy last season.
However, Campos has poured cold water on rumours linking him with the Parc des Prince side.
Campos added: “Is Leonardo going to leave? I may be tough in negotiations, but I’m not a liar. I assure you that I have not spoken to anyone at PSG.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
