While Cristiano Ronaldo may have left Manchester United on bad terms, the legendary striker looks set to help his former side win the race to sign Mason Mount. The 24-year-old midfielder faces an increasingly uncertain future at Chelsea with his contract set to expire in just 12 months.
football.london understands that the Blues have been in talks with Mount over a new deal, but they've only just reopened negotiations. It's said that conversations have proven complicated, with the length of contract and pay being an issue.
The Cobham graduate is not among the top earners at Stamford Bridge despite appearing nearly 200 times for the club. If an agreement cannot be reached then Mount will become a free agent in June 2024 and, until then, be available for far less his market value.
READ MORE: Mauricio Pochettino has three Dusan Vlahovic alternatives as Chelsea prepare £130 transfer plan
It's believed that Liverpool are longtime admirers of the England international and United have recently emerged as strong contenders for his signature. For many players, it would be difficult to say no to Jurgen Klopp, but Ronaldo could steer Mount towards Old Trafford instead.
Speaking to Amazon Prime last year, the Chelsea ace explained how the five-time Ballon d'Or winner was an inspiration while growing up. Mount explained: "I think everyone has seen the video of when I was younger basing my free kick off him.
"I always watched him very closely when he was at United as a young kid. I loved the way he played, his free kicks. "I'm a massive Pompey fan, so I went to the game when they played at Old Trafford and he scored that free-kick against David James.
Who is your Chelsea player of the season? Have your say by voting below!
"I was actually at the game, in the corner so I saw it first hand and I think after that I kind of fell in love with the technique and what he'd done and him as a player. So I always try to look at and work out, what can I do, to put it into my game?
"But now to play against him and be up against him is the journey that you go on from watching someone in the stands as a fan and then to being on the same pitch and playing against them. It's a crazy journey and yeah, that's why I love football so much."
READ NEXT:
Bet £10 and get £30 in free bets on the Premier League final day with Bet 365
Mauricio Pochettino has group of 15 Chelsea stars who will fear for future in transfer window
Mauricio Pochettino has three Dusan Vlahovic alternatives as Chelsea prepare £130 transfer plan
Joao Felix makes clear Mauricio Pochettino transfer plea as Chelsea face £87million decision
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates from Stamford Bridge
