FC Barcelona have contacted Kylian Mbappe's entourage to sound out possibly signing the Paris Saint-Germain superstar and hijacking a potential move to bitter rivals Real Madrid according to a report carried by El Nacional.

Mbappe shocked the football world this week when he confirmed a report by L'Equipe through an official statement to the AFP.

The 24-year-old explained that he had indeed sent a letter to PSG confirming he will not renew his contract when it expires in June 2024, adding that he told them in June 2022 he had no intention of doing so.

PSG reacted by telling Mbappe he must sign on the dotted line and agree fresh terms or be sold this summer according to L'Equipe.

Multiple sources including Mundo Deportivo reported that PSG are willing to sell to anyone but long-term suitors Real Madrid, who according to ESPN are ready to launch a bid for the Russia 2018 World Cup winner this summer.

Mbappe has stated he is "very happy" at PSG and will at least contest next season at the Parc des Princes in their colors.

In the meantime, cash-strapped Barca have contacted Mbappe's entourage led by the player's mother Fayza Lamari to sound out possibly snatching him away from both PSG and Real Madrid after previously losing out on young talents such as Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo to Los Blancos.

While meeting PSG's alleged price tag of around €150 million ($164 million) for Mbappe in the upcoming transfer window is out of the question for Barca, they could pick him up for free next year ahead of trying to negotiate a lower salary than Mbappe's on-field earnings of $100 million according to Forbes' most recent edition of the World's Highest-Paid Athletes.

When president Joan Laporta reached out to Mbappe's camp, however, he was reportedly told that the player has "no intention" of donning Blaugrana and that "if he leaves PSG it is only to go to Madrid" according to Defensa Central.

After seeing Erling Haaland join Manchester City last year when priced out of the race, Barca's quest to land a next generation superstar looks set to continue.