Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti insisted he has no intention of letting speculation over Kylian Mbappe’s arrival at the club take his focus away from the job at hand.

Real are seen as the most likely destination for the French striker, who has informed Paris St Germain he intends to leave in the summer, but Ancelotti was careful not to fan the flames of those rumours.

With his side leading the way in LaLiga and well fancied to secure the title, the Italian coach is more interested in what happens in their away game at Rayo Vallecano on Sunday than what happens in the transfer market at the end of the campaign.

Pressed on the club’s interest in the 2018 World Cup winner, he said: “I see and hear what has happened. I understand that it’s the subject of the day for you, but for us it’s tomorrow’s game.

“Vallecas is always a tough place to play at. It has been in the past and it’ll be a tough game against a team that needs points.

“Do I seem affected or worried (about Mbappe) today? No. It will be the same at the next press conference.

“We have to finish this season well. We’ve discussed the game, we’ve watched a video and we’ve tried to prepare for the game as well as possible.

“It’s a vital game for our season. I’d like to finish this season well and try to win trophies. There’s plenty of time to think about next season.”

While Ancelotti was not keen to discuss the possible arrival of one global star, he was willing to reflect on the reduced role of another: Luka Modric.

The 38-year-old has had to settle for a more peripheral role than he is accustomed to this season and, although he looks certain to leave at the end of his contract, he has continued to make a positive impression behind the scenes.

“A player who is used to playing every game finds it tougher than others to sit on the bench,” admitted the head coach.

“But I understand and respect him. His behaviour is that of a very serious professional who continues to train and fight to be able to play.

“He’s available to play in any game, even tomorrow’s. He continues to contribute in the dressing room just as he did before when he played all the games.

“He’s a highly-respected player and an example of how a professional should be. He continues to be a figurehead for the squad.”

Former assistant Inigo Perez faces a baptism of fire as Vallecano’s new coach, attempting to lift a side who have lost five and drawn one of their last six and sit 14th in the standings.

“Four days are enough to work on an idea and it is not a new project because I already knew them,” he said.

“When it comes to picking up a team in the middle of the season, I’m lucky because I know everything.

“It’s relatively easy. But a team like Madrid demands the maximum from you in all aspects.”

France forward Kylian Mbappe has told Paris St Germain he will leave the club at the end of the season.

The PA news agency understands the terms of his departure are yet to be fully agreed, and it is expected official confirmation once those details have been agreed will come in the months ahead.

However, the World Cup winner has communicated his intention to leave to the French club’s executives.

Mbappe’s current contract with PSG expires in the summer and since January 1 he has been able to hold pre-contract talks with other clubs.

The 25-year-old has been widely linked with a move to Real Madrid.

Ciro Immobile’s second-half penalty earned Lazio a shock 1-0 first-leg win over 10-man Bayern Munich in the Champions League last-16.

Striker Immobile sent Manuel Neuer the wrong way from 12 yards in the 69th minute after Bayern defender Dayot Upamecano was sent off for a late challenge on Gustav Isaksen.

The Bundesliga side, who arrived in Rome on the back of a damaging 3-0 defeat to title rivals Bayer Leverkusen, dominated first-half possession but were unable to capitalise, with Harry Kane largely starved of service.

Leroy Sane and Jamal Musiala each went close for the six-time European champions before Immobile’s spot-kick settled the contest to increase pressure on Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel.

Kylian Mbappe set Paris St Germain on course for a 2-0 success over Real Sociedad in Wednesday’s other tie.

The France star opened the scoring in the 58th minute at Parc des Princes by volleying home Marquinhos’ flick on following Ousmane Dembele’s right-wing corner.

Bradley Barcola secured breathing space for the Ligue 1 leaders ahead of the return match on March 5 with his first Champions League goal.

The 21-year-old forward burst past Hamari Traore on the PSG left before poking the ball beyond Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro with 20 minutes remaining.

Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring as Paris St Germain recorded a 2-0 last-16 first leg victory over Real Sociedad in the Champions League.

The Ligue 1 champions took control of the tie with two second-half goals at Parc Des Princes.

Mbappe struck in the 58th minute before Bradley Barcola’s 70th-minute strike gave the Parisians an aggregate advantage ahead of the return leg in March.

Sociedad almost took the lead in the first half. Brais Mendez whipped in a free-kick which tested the PSG defence before Andre Silva failed to score from close range.

After Alex Remiro denied Mbappe, the LaLiga club went close again with a double effort from Takefusa Kubo.

The Japan international cut in from the right-hand side of the box and curved an effort towards the back post, but the winger put too much power on the strike and it sailed wide of the target.

After the break Sociedad looked likely to land the first blow but Mendez was denied by the crossbar. The creative Mendez fired a powerful strike from range but his effort cannoned off the upright to keep the scores level.

The visitors’ lack of clinical edge proved costly when Mbappe scored from close-range to give his side the lead just before the hour mark.

Ousmane Dembele’s curved corner saw Marquinhos flick the ball on into the path of the dangerous Mbappe, evading his marker to score.

And in the 69th minute Mbappe looked likely to add another. The striker cut inside on to his favoured right foot and narrowly missed the right post, much to the relief of Remiro who was well-beaten.

But just one minute later PSG double their lead and took full control of the contest.

Fabian Ruiz showed off his skills with a deft through ball before the deadly Barcola drove into the box and finished cutely to confirm the win.

Paris St Germain boss Luis Enrique has described Wednesday night’s Champions League opponents Real Sociedad as one of the tournament’s best sides.

The Parisians will resume their quest for an elusive Champions League title in the first leg of their last-16 tie at the Parc des Princes and Enrique refused to say his side were favourites.

Enrique told a press conference: “Real Sociedad have a tight defence in the Champions League. They don’t give the ball away easily. We will have to press them aggressively.

“They are certainly one of the best teams in the competition. That is why they qualified as group winners.

“They were in a group with last year’s finalists. They are top level and I’m not going to get into whether we are favourites or not.

“My team has to show that on the pitch. That is where we do the talking.”

Sociedad were unbeaten as they finished top of Group D ahead of Inter Milan, beaten 1-0 by Manchester City in last season’s final in Istanbul.

The Spanish side won three and drew three of their six group matches – they beat Benfica home and away – and Enrique saluted head coach Imanol Alguacil and his club.

“I hope it is not a decisive factor that he has been there six years and I have been here six months,” Enrique added. “I know the coach very well. He is a great coach.

“He is at home with a fantastic philosophy. They bring through many players themselves. They are well balanced. They do well in the transfer market.

“They have been playing really good football during his six years there, and even before that, as there were other coaches who did a great job there.

“So he is reaping the fruits of the hard work by the club. I can only congratulate them. I hope they don’t play as well tomorrow and in the second leg.”

Kylian Mbappe (ankle) is expected to start after being rested last Saturday when PSG moved 11 points clear at the top of Ligue 1 after their 3-1 home win against Lille.

Enrique, whose side are unbeaten in 16 matches in all competitions, has no new injury concerns but is still without Presnel Kimpembe (Achilles), Nuno Mendes (hamstring) and Milan Skriniar (ankle).

What the papers say

Tottenham are confident they will keep manager Ange Postecoglou amid interest from Liverpool, the Telegraph reports. Reds boss Jurgen Klopp announced he will step down from the club at the end of the season, with ex-midfielder and current Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso favourite for the position.

The Daily Mail says West Ham have delayed contract negotiations with manager David Moyes as he deals with a seven-game winless streak.

Manchester United are reportedly interested in Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt, the Sun reports, with the 24-year-old said to be unhappy at the German club.

Social media round-upPlayers to watch

Bernardo Silva: Manchester City’s 29-year-old midfielder is a target for Paris St Germain with the French club reportedly ready to pay his £51million release clause, Spanish outlet Fijaches says.

Kylian Mbappe: The Athletic reports the French striker, who is available on a free transfer this summer, is not happy with Real Madrid’s latest offer.

Kylian Mbappe was kept in reserve as Paris St Germain went 11 points clear at the top of Ligue 1 with 3-1 victory over Lille.

Defender Alexsandro had a night to forget at the Parc des Princes when, after Yusuf Yazici had given the visitors an early lead, he was robbed to allow Goncalo Ramos to level and then sliced the ball into his own net before Randal Kolo Muani cemented the win.

Mbappe was named only among the substitutes ahead of Wednesday night’s Champions League last 16 clash with Real Sociedad, as were Gianluigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos and Warren Zaire-Emery.

And Mbappe was not needed as Luis Enrique’s side eased to victory, with fourth-placed Lille indebted to goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier for keeping the margin of defeat respectable.

Mbappe’s presence on the bench as he nursed ankle injury did not come as a huge surprise despite Enrique’s insistence in the run-up to the game that he would be involved, but 37-year-old Keylor Navas’ inclusion in place of Donnarumma, his first appearance for the club since May 2022, did prompt raised eyebrows.

Navas’ evening got off to a bad start as Tiago Santos tricked his way past Lucas Beraldo and after Fabian Ruiz failed to deal with his cross, Yazici smashed the ball past the PSG keeper in the sixth minute.

The lead last barely four minutes as Alexsandro was caught in possession and Ousmane Dembele squared for Ramos to equalise.

Alexsandro’s evening was to take a further turn for the worse with just 17 minutes played as the home side started to find their feet.

Ramos sent the ball across the face of goal and when the visitors failed to deal with it, Fabian unleashed a speculative shot and the defender sliced an attempted clearance into his own net.

Lille might have fallen further behind in first-half stoppage time but for Chevalier’s instinctive save with his foot after Marco Asensio had run on to Dembele’s pull-back.

Asensio was guilty of a poor 51st-minute miss after robbing Nabil Bentaleb on the edge of the penalty area, and Chevalier came to Alexsandro’s rescue with a block from Nordi Mukiele after he had forced his way past the defender.

Edon Zhegrova saw a 58th-minute attempt deflected wide at the other end after Gabriel Gudmundsson and Angel Gomes had combined to set him up, but it took another superb save from Chevalier to keep out Kolo Muani’s 73rd-minute strike.

The striker did get his name on the scoresheet with 10 minutes remaining when substitute Bradley Barcola broke down the left and crossed for him to cement victory.

And Alexsandro’s misery was complete when he headed wastefully over when presented with a late chance to reduce the deficit.

Paris St Germain boss Luis Enrique has played down any injury concerns for Kylian Mbappe after the France forward did not take part in full training ahead of Saturday’s Ligue 1 match against Lille.

Mbappe, who continues to be linked with a move to Real Madrid in the summer, picked up a minor issue during the Coupe de France win over Brest on Wednesday night.

Despite having not joined in with the rest of the squad for Friday’s final training session and instead worked in the gym, Enrique insists there are no concerns over his availability.

“Kylian will be fit tomorrow and available to play,” Enrique said.

“He didn’t train today because we didn’t want to take any risks, so he trained inside, but he will be available for the game.”

PSG continue their Champions League campaign next week with the first leg of their last 16 tie against Real Sociedad.

Enrique, though, insisted everyone was focused on the job in hand against Lille, who sit fourth in the table.

“We are at a point in the season where we play every three days. We have to plan the options with the staff to always be competitive,” Enrique said.

“We must not underestimate any match – all games are important. As a squad, we try to have two players per position of equivalent level.

“We don’t want to forget certain matches, consider one more important than another even if the one against Real Sociedad is highly anticipated.

“We want to be competitive and be able to win every match.”

Enrique told a press conference: “Lille has a very good team and a coach that I really like.

“It will be difficult when we have the ball because they will come and press us and difficult when we don’t have it because they have good use of it.

“It’s a great test for us, to prove that we want to be competitive in all matches.”

Forward Randal Kolo Muani missed the midweek cup tie because of a viral infection, while left-back Nuno Mendes is stepping up his recovery from surgery on his hamstring.

Lee Kang-in has been given some time on leave following Asia Cup duty with South Korea.

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has suggested the club are ready to quit the Parc des Princes and look for a new home ground elsewhere after city officials confirmed the stadium was not for sale.

“I believe the president was very clear in his message,” Enrique said.

“I know for sure that he is working to find the best solution for the club. This is essential for us to be stronger.”

What the papers say

England forward Chloe Kelly is wanted by Paris St-Germain. The Daily Mail reports the 26-year-old would become the highest-paid women’s player in Europe if she makes the move from Manchester City.

Christian Eriksen, 31, could make a return to Brentford in the summer, according to the Metro. Galatasaray have also been linked with a move for Manchester United’s Denmark midfielder.

Brighton are leading the race for Ghanaian winger Ibrahim Osman. The Evening Standard says the Seagulls close to beating West Ham to the 19-year-old’s signature from Nordsjaelland in a £17million deal, while the Daily Mail says the move has already been agreed.

Jon Dahl Tomasson is close to being the next managerial casualty. The Daily Mail reports he is set to leave Blackburn Rovers after eight games without a win in the Championship.

Social media round-upPlayers to watch

Antonee Robinson: Liverpool are looking at a summer mover for the Fulham and the United States left-back, according to Football Insider,

Ivan Toney: Manchester United are ahead of Arsenal in the race to sign the England striker from Brentford, according to Teamtalk.

Kylian Mbappe put speculation over his future to one side to fire Paris St Germain into the Coupe de France quarter-finals with a 3-1 win over Brest.

Talk over a potential move to Real Madrid this summer has again intensified in recent days, but Mbappe grabbed his sixth goal in this competition and took his overall tally for the season to 30 with a 34th-minute opener.

Danilo Pereira doubled PSG’s advantage soon after and while Steve Mounie reduced the deficit with 65 minutes played, Lilian Brassier received his marching moments later for Brest before substitute Goncalo Ramos sealed the hosts’ success in stoppage time.

Brest had fought back to earn a 2-2 draw at Parc des Princes in Ligue 1 last month, but PSG were boosted by the return of Achraf Hakimi after his Africa Cup of Nations disappointment with Morocco.

Luis Enrique shuffled his pack with Danilo, Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola brought into the team from Friday’s league win over Strasbourg, which extended their lead at the summit to eight points.

Visiting Brest started strongly and they forced a number of corners during the opening exchanges before Gianluigi Donnarumma made a fine save to deny Hugo Magnetti.

It was to prove crucial with Mbappe able to open the scoring moments later.

Warren Zaire-Emery played a key role, nipping in to find Mbappe, who turned in the area and sent a powerful strike into the corner.

PSG were in the ascendancy and it was 2-0 with eight minutes of the first half remaining.

Dembele did well out wide and crossed in for centre-back Danilo to tap home from close-range.

It was almost three for the hosts before the break but Mbappe thundered an effort against the crossbar following a slick break and Dembele then hit a post from a tight angle.

Those squandered chances kept Brest in the contest and a double change by Eric Roy helped the away side reduce the deficit.

Romain Del Castillo and Mathias Pereira Lage were introduced on the hour mark and the latter quickly made his mark when his cross was headed home by Mounie with 65 minutes on the clock.

Any chance Brest had of restoring parity were hit when Brassier received a second yellow for a poor challenge on Mbappe, who was able to carry on after some treatment.

Mbappe went close to securing the victory with two late efforts, which were saved by Gregoire Coudert before PSG did grab a third.

While Mbappe was involved, it was Hakimi who played the telling pass to the back post where substitute Ramos tapped home in the second minute of stoppage time to book PSG’s place in the last eight.

Paris St Germain boss Luis Enrique has no doubts his players can cover enough hard yards as they prepare to face Brest for a place in the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France.

After Brest fought back from 2-0 down at half-time to draw their recent Ligue 1 match at Parc des Princes, Enrique faced questions over the squad’s fitness levels.

In the Champions League group stages, PSG were one of the lowest ranked teams for distance covered per match on average, at 113.84 kilometres.

Many of the PSG players are reported to have hired personal trainers to add extra fitness work on top of their sessions at club training.

Enrique, though, rejected suggestions his players needed to build up some additional stamina.

“My teams play with possession to make the opponent run, so we do it less – not a single of my teams in my career has not run enough miles to win games,” the PSG coach said.

“In the Champions League, behind Manchester City, we are the team with the most ball possession – and we are much stronger when we have the ball.

“That doesn’t mean an opponent can’t have the ball more than us, the team which creates the most chances and takes the fewest is us.”

Enrique told a press conference: “For several years now, players have been calling on physical trainers, physiotherapists, osteopaths and nutritionists.

“If there is co-ordination and there are good balances (of training), that seems good to me.

“The players are becoming more and more professional and the club has a clear line on what it means to live the life of a professional and to have the best professionals to help the players.

“The vast majority have a chef at home, they have all the advantages – I would have liked to have a chef and a physiotherapist just for me (as a player), but it was a different time.”

Enrique hopes PSG can learn from their last meeting with Brest to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the French Cup.

“The advantage of playing two matches against Brest in a row is that we know our difficulties,” said Enrique, who will be without forward Randal Kolo Muani because of a viral infection.

“It is hard to press them, so we have to be better with and without the ball.

“We expect a difficult match, but it will also be a different match, since it is the Coupe de France.”

Enrique added: “In the championship, it is a lot of consistency. In the cup, it is knockout – if we have a bad match, we can be eliminated.

“It is a different approach and you have to be very strong mentally.”

What the papers say

Raphael Varane is reportedly the latest big name attracting a wealth of interest from Saudi Arabia. The Daily Star says Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr are hoping to reunite the Manchester United defender with his former Real Madrid and Red Devils team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, with an offer believed to be in the region of £50million a year.

The Independent reports Kylian Mbappe‘s contract negotiations with Real Madrid have hit a stumbling block. According to the paper, the two parties are yet to come to terms on the 25-year-old striker’s wage package, with an agreement believed to be a way off. However, there is belief amongst all involved – including Mbappe’s current club Paris St Germain – that a deal to take the France captain to Spain will eventually be made.

And The Telegraph reports Aston Villa has reached a verbal agreement on a new long-term contract for Jamaica winger Leon Bailey.

Social media round-upPlayers to watch

Raphinha: Journalist Paul O’Keefe says on X the Barcelona attacker is being carefully monitored by Tottenham.

Hwang Ui-jo: The Nottingham Forest striker has agreed terms to spend the rest of the season on loan at Turkish side Alanyaspor, reports Turkish outlet Sports Digitale.

Paris St Germain moved nine points clear at the top of Ligue 1 with a 2-1 win away at Strasbourg.

Goals in either half from Kylian Mbappe – who missed an early penalty – and Marco Asensio put the visitors two up before Dilane Bakwa scored 22 minutes from time to breathe life into the match.

Defender Abakar Sylla spurned a golden opportunity to steal a point for the home side in stoppage time when he looped a close-range header straight into the arms of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

It was the story of the game for Strasbourg, who had more than enough chances in the second to have earned a draw, though they were ultimately let down by poor finishing.

PSG should have gone ahead in the sixth minute but Mbappe’s spot-kick was saved by Alaa Bellaarouch after Lucas Perrin fouled Randal Kolo Muani.

The visitors took the lead after 18 minutes and Strasbourg had only themselves to blame.

Goalkeeper Bellaarouch dwelt too long with the ball at his feet and as he went to clear was closed down by Asensio. The ball deflected into the path of Mbappe, who was left with the simplest task of stroking it into the empty net for his 20th goal of the season.

The roles were revered shortly after half-time, with Mbappe this time the provider, his cross with the outside of the boot finding the feet of Asensio who took a touch and artfully placed it past Bellaarouch.

Strasbourg got the goal that their efforts deserved midway through the second half when on-loan Chelsea winger Angelo Borges crossed for Bakwa at the far post who knocked it past Donnarumma with an expertly taken first-time side-footed volley.

PSG goalkeeper Donnarumma made an excellent double save – first from Junior Mwanga then from Emanuel Emegha, the Italian springing sharply back to his feet to keep out the second effort.

Then came Sylla’s gilt-edged chance at the end, but the champions survived to extend their lead over Nice at the top of the table.

Ousmane Dembele will miss Ligue 1 leaders Paris St Germain’s trip to Strasbourg on Friday.

The former Barcelona winger missed training on Thursday with a thigh problem and the club have since announced he will be not be risked at the Stade de la Meinau.

Luis Enrique’s team, who have a six-point lead at the top of the table, will also be without the suspended Bradley Barcola.

The forward received a one-match ban after being sent off for two bookable offences in stoppage time of last week’s 2-2 draw with Brest.

PSG had led 2-0 in that match but surrendered their advantage, raising question marks over their resilience.

Manager Luis Enrique, however, has dismissed concerns about a lack of stamina.

“After watching the match against Brest again, I don’t think we had an athletic problem,” the Spaniard told reporters at a press conference to preview the game at Strasbourg.

“I think they were very good opponents – that’s the reality. It’s true that we had difficulty pressing and recovering balls, but I don’t think it was a physical problem.”

After being held by Brest, who are third in the league, Enrique recognises PSG face a tough game against another side in good form.

Strasbourg, under the guidance of Patrick Vieira, are unbeaten in their last six matches.

“They’re a team in better momentum than at the start of the season,” said Enrique, the former Barcelona and Spain manager. “They have had good results recently and are in the middle of the table.

“They’re a team that creates but also defends very well, in an organised manner. We will have to be ready for everything in this match.”

The game comes too soon for Achraf Hakimi to rejoin the PSG squad following the end of Morocco’s campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations.

With the Champions League also due to resume later this month with the first leg of the last-16 tie against Real Sociedad, Enrique is aware the business end of the season is approaching.

He hopes his team can tighten their grip on the title race as pressures increase.

He said: “We have to win the next matches and get to the end of the season in the best possible way.

“For the moment, what is important is the match against Strasbourg, but now we are going to have to play matches every three or four days.

“We have to take these three points which are really important.”

What the papers say

Paris St-Germain are watching developments with Marcus Rashford at Manchester United. According to the i, the French club could rekindle their interest in the England forward, 26.

Armando Broja, 22, is being lined up by Fulham for a move ahead of the transfer deadline. But they are yet to approach Chelsea’s £50million valuation for the Albania striker, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Spanish midfielder Pablo Fornals could be the next player to leave West Ham, reports the Daily Mail. The 27-year-old is close to sealing a move to Real Betis.

West Ham are looking at Portuguese winger Jota, 24, from Al-Ittihad to replace the outgoing Said Benrahma, according to the Daily Mirror. The Hammers are fending off interest from Wolves and Crystal Palace for England striker Danny Ings, 31.

Social media round-upPlayers to watch

Bryan Gil: Brighton are in talks with Tottenham over a loan move for the out-of-favour Spain midfielder, 22, according to the Daily Mail.

Amad Diallo: The Ivory Coast winger, 19, is keen on a return to Sunderland on loan from Manchester United, reports Football Insider.