Monaco thrash Marseille in game overshadowed by Mbappe transfer talk

PARIS – 28 August - French champions Monaco crushed Olympique de Marseille 6-1 on Sunday to stay just behind league leaders Paris St Germain, although the game was overshadowed by the imminent transfer to PSG of Monaco striker Kylian Mbappe.

Monaco scored four goals in the first half, with Colombian international Radamel Falcao netting twice in the rout of their Mediterranean rivals, who defended poorly throughout the game.

However, much of the build-up was dominated by French media reports that PSG had signed Monaco's 18-year-old striker Mbappe in a 180 million euros ($215 million) deal.

There was no official confirmation from PSG or Monaco and Mbappe looked relaxed as he sat on the bench as an unused substitute.

Mbappe shone for Monaco as they claimed the French title and reached the Champions League semi-finals last season.

He could link up at PSG with Brazilian forward Neymar, who PSG signed this month from Barcelona for a world record fee of 222 million euros.

In other games on Sunday, former champions Lille continued to struggle as they drew 1-1 with Angers while Guingamp beat Strasbourg 2-0.

PSG, who beat Saint Etienne 3-0 on Friday, lead Monaco on goal difference, with both teams having won their four opening games.