Man Utd have been sending messages to Mason Mount to make sure the Chelsea midfielder “knows how much they want him to join”, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
It was understood that Harry Kane was set to be the Red Devils’ priority target for the summer transfer window but the Man Utd hierarchy have already given up on that deal.
And now sealing the transfer of Mount has shot to the top of their list while they decide on their newv top striker target with Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani on their radar.
Mount has just a year remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge and Man Utd are keen on taking advantage of that to push down Chelsea’s asking price.
And Romano claims it is Chelsea’s position on their valuation that is still the “main outstanding issue” with Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag pushing to get a deal over the line.
Romano wrote in his Caught Offside column: “It’s clear that Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, appreciates the skillset that Mason Mount has. Though Chelsea rejected the Red Devils first offer of £40m and they will insist on a £70m fee, United believe that a deal can be done.
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“There is no pressure on Chelsea to reduce the fee at this point, but there are important factors to consider on both sides of the deal. Firstly, Mount is English and is proven in the Premier League.
“He is a sharp, forward-thinking player who loves to play on the front foot, always positive, and it’s clear that he understands the way that ten Hag wants to play and would be able to slot straight into his starting XI. United are also convinced that he is perfect for their style of football.
“The Red Devils have continued to send messages to Mount, making sure he knows how much they want him to join them. He is their priority signing. The player appreciates ten Hag’s way of playing and his insistence on bringing Mount to Old Trafford.
“It’s an exciting project and the player is remaining calm about the situation as there is no issue at all regarding personal terms. United are also happy as they know Mount is keen to make the move, but the main outstanding issue is Chelsea’s position on the price.”
And Man Utd are set to make another bid in the coming days with Romano confirming their intention on his Twitter yesterday.
Romano wrote: “Manchester United are prepared to bid again in the next days for Mason Mount. #MUFC That was their plan after opening bid for £40m fee rejected and remains the plan now. Chelsea insist on £70m price tag but Man United feel they can find a way to reach an agreement.”