Liverpool and Manchester United have been given fresh hope in their pursuit of Mason Mount as contract talks stall.
What’s the story?
Well, it was ESPN who revealed that Jürgen Klopp and Erik ten Hag are keeping a close eye on the England international, as discussions over a new contract at Chelsea are not going smoothly.
Mount’s current terms expire in June 2024, and Graham Potter has now given Liverpool and Manchester United some encouragement as he admits talks are “complicated” with the 24-year-old.
Ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Southampton tomorrow, the 47-year-old said: “I think it is always complicated. There is always negotiation. It is best I leave it between Mason and the club. He’s been fantastic to work with, an important player for us. I hope it gets resolved quickly.”
Potter’s comments come after Graeme Bailey claimed on the Talking Transfers podcast that Mount is not 100% convinced by Todd Boehly’s project at Stamford Bridge.
The American has spent roughly £600m on signings since taking over from Roman Abramovich, with Mount finding himself on the bench recently as new arrivals Joao Felix and Mykhaylo Mudryk are preferred.
Liverpool & Manchester United could both miss out
Even if Chelsea fail to convince Mount to stay in west London, it doesn’t mean he will end up at Anfield or Old Trafford for sure.
ESPN add that Manchester City are also keen to sign the Chelsea No.19 if he chooses not to stay at Stamford Bridge.
The lure of working with Pep Guardiola – as well as a strong likelihood of winning trophies – Mount could easily reject Liverpool and Manchester United in favour of a move to the Etihad Stadium.
Additionally, the Citizens are the richest of the three clubs involved, so they could blow rivals out of the water with their salary offer.
Whatever happens, negotiations between Chelsea and Mount certainly aren’t progressing smoothly, so the situation is worth keeping an eye on.
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