Manchester United have had a third bid for Mason Mount rejected by Chelsea.
United’s latest offer has fallen short of Chelsea’s valuation for the 24-year-old midfielder, who has one year remaining on his contract. But the London club are understood to be willing to compromise on their long-standing £70m valuation for Mount. It is believed they will accept £58m plus £7m in add–ons in order to get a deal done.
That may well suit United, who have been pursuing Mount for some time and have already agreed personal terms with the England international. They also want to know soon if a deal can be done, and if not they will move onto other targets, who include Brighton’s Moisés Caicedo. Chelsea are also keen on the 21-year-old Ecuadorian midfielder.
Arsenal and Liverpool explored deals for Mount but United are his likeliest destination.
Chelsea are close to concluding a deal to sign the striker Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal. They are understood to be paying slightly more than the £30m release fee for the 22-year-old, who has agreed personal terms, to see off competition from Aston Villa, Everton and Bournemouth.
Jackson will be the second forward signed this month after Christopher Nkunku’s long-awaited move from RB Leipzig was confirmed for close to £51m. Jackson, a Senegal international, scored 13 goals in 38 appearances in this past season.