Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has again stated his desire to play with international teammate Kylian Mbappe at club level.
Mbappe was the subject of two offers from Real in the summer, but Paris Saint-Germain turned both down - much to the player's disappointment.
The transfer saga is only just beginning, though. Mbappe's current PSG deal expires in the summer and although the player remained coy about his future in a recent interview, plenty of other stakeholders have had their say.
Real manager Carlo Ancelotti and Benzema have both hinted that they expect Mbappe to join them in Madrid at the end of the season, but the player's mother has suggested that contract talks ate progressing well in the French capital.
The Parisians' sporting director Leonardo has also had his say, accusing Real of a lack of respect in their public courting of the forward.
Now, Benzema has doubled down on his previous comments, saying: "I enjoy with him in the national team and in the future, why not?
"He is a great player, but you have to respect PSG. I have always said it and I say it again; I hope we will play some day."
This is unlikely to be the final twist in this saga, particularly with Mbappe's contract nearing its expiration.
Come January he will be free to discuss a pre-contract deal with Real, or any other club outside of France for that matter.
Los Blancos remain desperate to sign Mbappe and he could be joined by several other top stars. Real have cut their cloth in recent times but are ready for a headline-grabbing summer transfer window.
The likely departures of high-earners Gareth Bale, Isco and Marcelo will free up a significant amount of funds, with Erling Haaland and Paul Pogba both being linked with moves.
This article was originally published on 90min as Karim Benzema reasserts desire to play with Kylian Mbappe at club level.
Source: www.90min.com