Manchester United have lodged a third bid in an attempt to sign Chelsea star Mason Mount - but are refusing to get involved in a bidding war.
The England midfielder emerged as one of the Red Devils' prime summer targets as Erik ten Hag eyes a healthy freshen-up of his squad. United have now tabled a third offer worth up to £55m for Chelsea’s England midfielder and are determined to get their man.
But Chelsea want at least £65m and are in no rush to sell the Academy graduate even though he has just one year left on his contract and they would lose him for nothing next year. Chelsea have made it clear they would like him to stay so have not given up on him signing and are therefore reluctant to take a low offer.
Chelsea have seen West Ham value Declan Rice at in excess of £100m and therefore believe that Mount is worth more than United’s valuations so far and have already knocked back two bids. The clubs are still talking and there is a hope on United’s part that they can broker a deal.
The ball is now in the Blues' court over whether to sell or push for more. Should they accept a deal, then Mount would become the latest in a long line of stars to quit Stamford Bridge after already agreeing personal terms with the Red Devils.
N'Golo Kante has already departed for Saudi side Al-Ittihad, whilst Mateo Kovacic and Edouard Mendy are also on the verge of exits for Manchester City and Al-Ahli respectively. German frontman Kai Havertz looks close to bidding farewell as he edges towards a move to Premier League rivals Arsenal.
Mount would depart Chelsea after making 195 appearances for the club since progressing through the Blues' youth system. In that time, the former Derby County and Vitesse Arnhem loanee has won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup.
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The 36-time England has now entered the final 12 months of his contract and as it stands, there appears to be little indication that he would be willing to extend his stay in West London.
In moving to Old Trafford, Mount will be hopeful of forging himself a role in the side alongside Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in the heart of midfield. Should their bid be accepted by Chelsea, the Red Devils could also attempt to make room in their squad.
Brazilian midfielder Fred has been linked with an exit after entering the final 12 months of his own deal. Premier League rivals Fulham are reported to be contenders for his services.
Elsewhere, academy graduate Scott McTominay has been rumoured to be among those that Erik ten Hag would be willing to move on.
However, they also appear to have a plan in place should they fail to sign Mount. If their bid is not accepted then the Red Devils could back out of talks and instead turn their attention to Chelsea target Moises Caicedo.
