Jurgen Klopp once dubbed Chelsea ace Mason Mount as a "£60million player" as speculation grows that Liverpool could be preparing a shock bid for the England international.
The 24-year-old has just one year left on his contract at Stamford Bridge and it is widely expected that he leaves this summer so that Chelsea have the chance to cash in on his departure rather than let him walk. With that being said, the Blues have already rejected three bids from Manchester United for Mount.
That has in turn sparked rumours that United are now preparing to walk away from the deal, or at the very least go no higher than the £50m plus £5m in add-ons they have offered. As a result, a window has opened for Liverpool to try and hijack a deal that at one stage seemed imminent.
Klopp's past comments may have weakened the Reds' bargaining position however, as he has already confessed that he views Mount as a player worth more than three offers United have submitted so far.
Speaking back in 2019 when Mount made his England bow alongside his fellow Chelsea academy graduates, the Liverpool boss claimed: "Tammy Abraham is now a £60million player. Mason Mount for sure if not more. [Callum] Hudson-Odoi was before that already."
It is thought that Chelsea want at least £65m before they let Mount leave but could be concerned by United's cooled interest, given it only increases the likelihood their talented midfielder leaves for nothing next term if an agreement of their own cannot be reached.
Incoming Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino is reported to have already held discussions with Mount, during which the player explained he will maintain professionalism and report for pre-season training as expected if his future is not resolved by then, as per The Telegraph.
Chelsea will jet off to the United States next month for a pre-season tour and Mount is expected to attend if he is still a Blues player at that time.
All the focus is on United, but Liverpool are in desperate need of new additions.
Though the Reds signed Alexis Mac Allister already, the Argentine alone will not be enough in terms of business completed this window.
Liverpool bid farewell to all three of James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at the end of last season, meaning Klopp needs more midfield reinforcements and needs them sooner rather than later.
Mount could end up being the perfect addition as Klopp aims to bounce back from a disappointing season last time out.
