Chelsea have told Manchester United they want £70million for Mason Mount after the two clubs opened formal talks over a deal for the England midfielder.
United are increasingly confident they will reach an agreement over Mount and are set to make an opening offer for the 24-year-old following the FA Cup Final.
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.
Chelsea have given Mateo Kovacic permission to speak to Manchester City and new head coach Mauricio Pochettino is plotting a midfield rebuild that could include signing Manuel Ugarte and Moises Caicedo.
