SportBook Service | Jurgen Klopp to come face-to-face with Kylian Mbappe for first time since failing to convince wonderkid to join Liverpool

JURGEN KLOPP is coming face-to-face with the superstar youngster he spent "several hours" trying to land for Liverpool just over a year ago.

The Reds welcome Paris Saint-Germain to Anfield in the opening clash of the Champions League group stages tonight.

Jurgen Klopp wanted to bring Kylian Mbappe to Liverpool before he moved to PSGCredit: EPA

Mbappe had a look around Anfield before Paris Saint-Germain's meeting with LiverpoolCredit: Getty Images - Getty

The Anfield boss tried twice to recruit the young Monaco forward when he first emerged in 2015-16 and spent "several hours" trying to convince him to make the Anfield switch.

Instead, he moved to Paris Saint-Germain for a fee rising to 162million.

Liverpool were unlikely to ever afford that sum, but they pitched big for Mbappe, offering to make him the highest paid player at the time alongside Philippe Coutinho.

According to l'Equipe, Mbappe was "charmed by Klopp's eloquence and enthusiasm" but they would have been priced out of a deal.

Mbappe trained with the PSG squad in France before they flew to MerseysideCredit: AFP or licensors

Mbappe burst on to the scene for Monaco before becoming the most sought-after young talent in EuropeCredit: Getty - Contributor

The front page of the French sports paper L'Equipe had a reconstruction of the iconic Beatles album on Abbey RoadCredit: L'Equipe

Klopp wanted to make Mbappe Liverpool's highest-paid player alongside Philippe Coutinho who has since switched to BarcelonaCredit: AFP or licensors

PSG stars Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Gianluigi Buffon step out onto the Anfield pitch ahead of Champions League clash with Liverpool

Manchester United, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Chelsea were all interested in bringing Mbappe to their clubs, but PSG had the easy sell of being France's premier team.

He has since thrived at Parc des Princes as well as for France at the World Cup, where he became the first teenager since Pele to score in a final.

And he has already started his return to the Ligue 1 giants in top form, netting four goals in three games, before being sent off against Nimes.

Mbappe was suspended for PSG's 4-0 win over St-Etienne over the weekend and will be champing at the bit to star at Anfield.