Liverpool are unlikely to have the funds to finance a move for Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe this summer, according to the Guardian‘s Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian journalist was speaking to Anfield Watch about the Frenchman’s future and he said that the financial impact of the global health crisis will likely rule out the Reds from making a bid:

“In my opinion, and what I’ve been told, about the situation [financial impact on clubs] of the pandemic. If we were back in a normal situation, for sure, we can start talking about Liverpool and Real Madrid making moves for Kylian Mbappe if he won’t extend his contract with PSG.”

Romano goes on to estimate Mbappe’s price tag, which he says will still exceed what PSG paid Monaco for the 22-year-old four and a half years ago, despite the player closing in on the final year of his contract. He also revealed the salary that the striker would demand:

“[Liverpool would be] spending, in my opinion, more than €150 million [to purchase Mbappe from PSG] and [also] paying an enormous salary to Mbappe. The salary would be I would think around €20 million after taxes per season for Kylian Mbappe.”

€20m a season (after taxes), would be equivalent to Liverpool paying £682,000 a week (if we take into account that 50% would go to the taxman). That is a figure which is way beyond the means of the Merseyside club. If that is the wage being asked, only PSG or Manchester City will be able to pay it.