Paris Saint-Germain have identified Everton forward Richarlison as their preferred replacement if Kylian Mbappe leaves the club, according to RMC Sport.

The lowdown

The report states that Mbappe's future is uncertain after he turned down the offer of a five-year contract. As it stands, he'll be a free agent next summer.

It now remains to be seen if Real Madrid, or the unnamed Premier League club who have expressed 'concrete' interest, will launch a move in the final week of the transfer window.

Everton paid £35.28million to sign Richarlison from Watford in 2018, and he's since gone on to score 43 goals in 121 appearances for the Blues (via Transfermarkt).

Richarlison, who's also racked up 32 Brazil caps, was hailed as a 'complete' forward by former Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti.

The latest

PSG have prepared themselves for the possibility of Mbappe's exit by establishing contact with Richarlison's representatives.

Neymar has apparently helped to persuade the club that his compatriot would be a capable replacement.

The verdict

This could be a long-running story. PSG will reportedly renew their efforts to tie Mbappe down if they keep him beyond the deadline, but by January, he'll be able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with another club.

Even if no move for Richarlison materialises this summer, then, they could revisit their interest further down the line.

Everton might get the better end of the deal. His progress has stalled recently, but they may still be able to coax a huge fee out of the Parisians to reinvest in the squad, especially if a move comes after they have just cashed in on Mbappe.

In other news, Patrick Boyland addresses the possibility of this loan move.