Kylian Mbappe's prospective move to Real Madrid is no longer likely to break a world record, but it's still going to be sensational if it happens.

The striker's 26 goals in all competitions helped Monaco to their unexpected success last season and so far, the Ligue 1 champions have done remarkably well to hold onto their star man.

Few would have predicted that the 18-year-old would still be in a red and white shirt come early August, bar the most optimistic Arsenal fans.

Yet, as the Principality club took to the field for their 3-2 win over Toulouse on the opening day of the new campaign, Mbappe was present - at least for some of it, before he hobbled off with an apparent knee injury.

Real aren't the only club who will have been alarmed at that sight. Barcelona and Manchester City are also keen, according to French publication L'Equipe.

Wherever he ends up, there is a growing sense that he will leave Monaco this summer, despite the fact that the season is now underway and there are just 26 days until the transfer window slams shut.

AS report that Real, in particular, are more confident than ever that they will be able to nab one of the most highly-rated young players in the game.

Unlike Neymar to PSG, Mbappe to Real would make perfect sense, for several reasons.

MBAPPE WANTS OUT

The forward is thought to be frustrated by the sales of Benjamin Mendy, Bernardo Silva, and Tiemoue Bakayoko, with Thomas Lemar and Fabinho also linked with moves away. If Monaco are so determined to prove they're not a selling club, they haven't gone the right way about it.

MADRID HAVE LACKED GOALS

Los Blancos don't usually have many problems up front, but this pre-season has been a little different. Cristiano Ronaldo is indisposed with his tax case and Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale have been faltering. Perhaps breaking up 'BBC' isn't out of the question.

INTERNATIONAL TEAM-MATES

Moving country, let alone clubs, is no doubt a daunting prospect for the teenager. In Madrid, though, he already has several international team-mates to keep him company in Raphael Varane, Theo Hernandez, and Benzema. Crucially, Zinedine Zidane is another compatriot, and the France legend was one of Mbappe's idols growing up.

There are also plenty of good reasons for him to go elsewhere. Pep Guardiola has told him he'll be the main man in City's attack, so he is guaranteed playing time, while at Barca, he would have the honour of replacing Neymar.

It's certainly going to be interesting to see where he ends up.

Who should Mbappe join - or should he stay at Monaco? Have your say in the comments.