Mason Mount's move to Manchester United could have a big impact on the futures of Christian Eriksen, Fred and Scott McTominay.
Chelsea rejected three bids from Untied for the England international, 24, but have now accepted a £60million offer. The Red Devils will pay £55m of that cash up front, with Mount expected to sign a five-year deal and complete a medical at Old Trafford shortly.
Mount is an attacking midfielder by trade but isn't expected to be picked ahead of first-choice No.10 Bruno Fernandes in Erik ten Hag's starting XI. He is more likely to provide competition for Denmark international Christian Eriksen, who plays in the No.8 role.
Eriksen was also an attacking midfielder when he was signed by United from Brentford on a free transfer a year ago but was successfully deployed in a deeper role by Ten Hag. Eriksen and Mount are similar players, which means the latter could follow suit.
Eriksen is not expected to leave Old Trafford this summer, despite the arrival of Mount. Last season proved that Ten Hag needs depth in that No.8 role after Eriksen suffered a serious ankle injury, forcing United to sign Marcel Sabitzer on loan from Bayern Munich.
There's every chance Mount or Eriksen - or perhaps even Fernandes - could pick up an injury next season. Mount rarely missed a game during his first five campaigns as a professional, but even he struggled with a hip injury last term.
That means two of Fernandes, Eriksen and Mount will play ahead of Casemiro in the heart of United's midfield. Ten Hag's acclaimed No.6 currently has two back-ups in Fred and McTominay, but at least one of them should be on their way this summer.
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As reported by BBC Sport, the most likely player to leave Old Trafford is Fred. The 30-year-old Brazilian has struggled to convince during his five-year spell at Old Trafford. He is believed to be a transfer target for Fulham, with United listening to offers.
McTominay's situation is different. United want to keep hold of the Scotland international, 26, after he graduated from the club's academy. Yet he may be unwilling to play second fiddle to Casemiro. United will allow McTominay to move on if he wishes to do so.
One of Mount's biggest strengths is his versatility and willingness to follow his manager's instructions. He has dropped into central midfield for Chelsea and England before, and he is capable of playing in a wide position should Ten Hag need him there.
As former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said in May 2021, "He [Mount] has the full package. Mentally, in terms of talent and physically and the most important part is his character, he has his feet on the ground and he's a nice guy.
"He comes to Cobham [training ground] every day to learn something new and have new experiences. It's a pleasure to have him, be at his side and guide him and support him. It's impressive, he's not affected by all the praise. This is maybe the most important part.
"He seems to be a guy who likes the sport, and feels an obligation to make the most out of it and he wants it absolutely badly, so it's a top mix."
