According to reports, Man Utd ‘look set to win the race’ to sign Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount amid competition from Arsenal and Liverpool.
Mount is out of contract in 2024 and Chelsea are increasingly resigned to him leaving his boyhood club before next season.
The England international has been a key player for the Blues over the past few seasons but his form dipped during the 2022/23 campaign.
Chelsea need to balance the books after spending £600m on new signings since Todd Boehly’s arrival last year and they are expected to cash in on Mount so they do not lose him on a free transfer in 2024.
The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with Liverpool over the past couple of months and they initially appeared to be his most likely destination.
But Man Utd have now seemingly moved ahead of their rivals in the pursuit of the centre-midfielder. Last week, it was reported that Mount is ‘leading towards’ a move to Old Trafford.
Now a report from The Evening Standard claims ‘Chelsea have told Man Utd they want £70million for Mount after the two clubs opened formal talks over a deal’.
The Red Devils are feeling ‘increasingly confident’ over ‘reaching an agreement’ with Chelsea for Mount and they will make their ‘opening offer’ after the FA Cup final. The report adds.
‘Chelsea do not want to lose Mount but are ready to sell him to ensure they receive a transfer fee and do not risk losing him for free next summer when his contract is due to expire.
‘United manager Erik ten Hag has identified Mount as one of his key summer transfer targets, alongside Tottenham striker Harry Kane.
‘It is thought United will hope to strike a deal at around £50-60m, knowing Chelsea are under pressure to sell players this summer after spending £600m this season.
‘Liverpool had looked the frontrunners to sign Mount and Arsenal have also held interest in him.
‘But United have stolen a march on their rivals and look set to win the race to sign Mount, who is set to lead a player exodus from Stamford Bridge this summer.’
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United legend Andy Cole has warned his former club against a move for Mount as none of Chelsea’s current players would “improve” Ten Hag’s side.
“None of those Chelsea players improve Manchester United,” Cole told FA Cup Winner Odds. “They can’t be any worse next season otherwise they’ll be in big trouble.
“I know there’s talk of Mason Mount, he’s a decent player who works hard and puts a shift in.
“But Manchester United need someone with that ‘X factor’ and has flair. Someone like Jude Bellingham who drives the team forward.”
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