Manchester United have given Chelsea a huge wakeup call regarding the potential sale of Mason Mount this summer. The 24-year-old midfielder faces an increasingly uncertain future at Stamford Bridge, with his contract expiring in 12-months.
football.london understands that the Blues were once close to reaching an agreement with Mount over a new deal but, upon his return from the World Cup in December, an offer was no longer on the table. Towards the end of January, the west Londoners reopened talks with the England international, though he didn't want to sign a one-year extension.
It's understood that Mount has not received another proposal since then, meaning that he'll become a free agent at the end of next season. football.london understands that United, Liverpool and Arsenal are all seriously interested in signing the Cobham graduate, who looks set to leave Chelsea this summer.
The Red Devils are said to be leading the race for Mount's signature, but a disparity in valuations have stalled any progress from being made. With United losing patience, The Sun claim that Erik ten Hag has found an alternative in case a deal cannot be completed – James Maddison.
The 26-year-old midfielder is expected to leave the King Power Stadium in the coming weeks following Leicester City's relegation from the top-flight. He featured 30 times for the Foxes in the Premier League last season, directly contributing towards 19 goals.
Despite his impressive performances, he wasn't able to save Leicester from the drop. According to The Telegraph, the Foxes are expected to demand around £50million for Maddison – which is a similar fee to what United are reportedly prepared to pay for Mount.
According to the Daily Mail earlier this month, the Red Devils value the Chelsea ace in the region of £55million while the Blues price him closer to £85million. If United refocus their efforts on Maddison then they could face tough competition from Tottenham.
READ MORE: Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: 'Done deal', Mount exit 'agreed', Onana swap deal, Vlahovic bid
In February, Gabby Agbonlahor claimed that the Englishman would be the perfect signing for Spurs. Speaking to Football Insider, the former Aston Villa striker said: "I think Spurs would be the perfect club for him.
"Tottenham need a number ten like him. They keep playing this 3-4-3 formation, but they can totally change that if they get Maddison. It transforms into a 4-3-3 – and that means more attacking football for the fans.
"Bentancur, Hojbjerg, and Maddison as a midfield three is a really exciting prospect for Tottenham. Whoever does get Maddison this summer has got themselves a really top player."
READ NEXT:
Mauricio Pochettino has already given Eden Hazard stance as $17m Chelsea transfer price emerges
Chelsea have already signed dream Moises Caicedo partner and it's not Enzo Fernandez
