Get the FREE Mirror Football newsletter by email with the day's key headlines and transfer news Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Monaco have brought Belgian second tier side Cercle Brugge to help unearth the next Kylian Mbappe .

The French giants are three points clear at the top of Ligue 1 with a game in hand over second placed Paris Saint Germain .

But their new partnership could help them become even stronger as they plan to loan young players to Brugge and help find new youngsters.

Current star Mbappe is one of the most in-demand wonderkids in the world - with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus among the giants attempting to secure his signature.

(Image: AFP) (Image: REUTERS)

The France international was picked up from famed academy Clairefontaine in 2015.

Brugge are currently managed by former Charlton and Blackpool boss Jose Riga - who oversaw the Addicks fall into League One.

Brugge wrote on their website: "AS Monaco and Cercle Bruges are pleased to announce the acquisition of the Belgian second division club by the Monegasque outfit, effective Friday.

(Image: Rex Features)

"The project will contribute to the club's sporting growth as part of its youth development policy.

"The General Meeting of Cercle Bruges shareholders unanimously voted in favour of granting a majority stake to AS Monaco. The project will contribute to the club's sporting growth as part of its youth development policy.

"Cercle Bruges was founded in 1899 and is one of Belgium's historic clubs. Its core values and character will remain fully intact. More details will be announced on Saturday."