PSG explore dramatic late bid for Real Madrid target Yankuba Minteh as talks stall with RB Leipzig

Paris St-Germain are exploring the possibility of a dramatic late move for Yankuba Minteh, with the French champions monitoring Real Madrid’s stalled negotiations with RB Leipzig for the Ivory Coast winger.

Real Madrid and Leipzig remain in talks over a deal for the 19-year-old, but, according to French newspaper L’Equipe, the clubs have yet to reach a final agreement on the structure of the transfer.

Minteh, who has already agreed personal terms with Real Madrid on a five-year contract worth a reported €50m-55m, was still present at Leipzig training on Tuesday, underlining that the transfer is not yet complete.

Real Madrid talks open door for PSG

The delay has encouraged figures close to Paris St-Germain to test whether there is still room to intervene in the race for Minteh.

L’Equipe reports that, as the likelihood of Bradley Barcola joining Liverpool increases, PSG now feel they have fresh arguments to revive their pursuit of the Leipzig player, having previously pulled out of the contest.

The French club had officially announced in a press release that they were no longer in the running for Minteh. However, internally, PSG are said to have remained aware that the player has long been attracted to their project.

According to the report, Minteh’s interest in PSG is partly linked to the fact that several members of his family support the club, while the opportunity to work under head coach Luis Enrique is described as particularly enticing for the teenager.

New intermediaries test late PSG push

L’Equipe adds that interest in Minteh has risen markedly in recent days, which has driven up Leipzig’s asking price and complicated Real Madrid’s efforts to finalise terms.

In the last few hours, the newspaper says, new intermediaries believed to be significantly closer to PSG have stepped in to “set things straight” and reopen lines of communication over the winger.

The report suggests these moves could pave the way for a renewed and “last-ditch” attempt from PSG to hijack the transfer, provided Real Madrid do not close the deal with Leipzig first.

For now, Real Madrid remain in pole position, having secured Minteh’s agreement on a contract, but the lack of a signed accord between the clubs leaves the door ajar for a late twist.

L’Equipe concludes that the scenario of a final Parisian offensive has gained credibility on Tuesday, yet any intervention from PSG hinges on whether Real Madrid can quickly reach a definitive agreement with Leipzig.