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'I use shin guards to protect him!' - Jardim jokes about shielding Mbappe from transfer rumours

Related Topics: Kylian Mbappé, Leonardo Jardim

Widespread speculation about the forward's future has prompted the manager to crack jokes about his protection methods

Monaco head coach Leonardo Jardim has joked that he uses shinpads to protect star striker Kylian Mbappe from widespread transfer rumours.

Mbappe is reportedly the subject of a €180 million bid from Real Madrid that would make the teenager the most expensive footballer in history.

After scoring 26 goals in all competitions for Monaco last season, firing Jardim's men to the Ligue 1 title, Mbappe has become the world's most in-demand player.

But Jardim believes the 18-year-old is staying grounded ahead of Monaco's first game of the new season, the Trophee des Champions against Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday.