According to several outlets, Man Utd have made an ‘improved’ bid worth around £55m to Chelsea for England international Mason Mount.
The 24-year-old is out of contract in 2024 and it is pretty clear at this stage that he does not intend to sign a new contract.
Chelsea are looking to balance the books this summer after they spent £600m on signings last season and Mount is one player likely to move on.
Liverpool have been heavily linked with him in recent months but Man Utd have now emerged as his most likely next destination.
Ahead of this summer, Chelsea made it clear that they valued Mount at £70m but this is pretty steep considering the player’s contract situation.
Erik ten Hag is looking to strengthen in various positions this summer and Mount is understood to be his top midfield target.
Earlier this week, United’s second offer – which was worth up to £50m – was rejected by Chelsea but they were always going to return with a fresh proposal.
The Daily Telegraph’s Matt Law was the first to reveal that United’s third bid was submitted on Friday afternoon. A few hours earlier, he stated.
“Manchester United are expected to make a new bid of £50m plus £5m in add-ons for Mason Mount today. Chelsea’s valuation has come down to £65m but there will surely be a temptation to find an agreement from there.”
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The Athletic’s David Ornstein is meanwhile reporting that Chelsea ‘countered’ United’s second bid ‘to request £60m plus £7m in add-ons.
The Red Devils subsequently ‘came back once again looking for a compromise for one of their top targets of the summer window’ with their new offer being worth an initial £50m ‘with £5m more in variables’.
Ben Jacobs has meanwhile claimed: “Chelsea haven’t yet reviewed the third bid. It’s been received but not yet discussed or considered. That should change soon.”
Former Premier League attacker Gabby Agbonlahor has boldly called on Man Utd to “put the phone down” on Chelsea as Mount is only “worth £40m”.
“I’d honestly say he’s worth £40million maximum,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider.
“If Chelsea ask for much more than that, I think Man United should put the phone down – because they aren’t being serious.
“Mount has been out of form, his stats aren’t great. Chelsea don’t want to give him a new contract, so surely it suits them to sell him?”
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