Liverpool target Mason Mount is 'leaning towards' Manchester United should he leave Chelsea during the summer transfer window - according to a new report.
Having shelved their initial plans to sign Borussia Dortmund starlet Jude Bellingham when the market reopens, due to the immense financial costs involved, Jurgen Klopp and his recruitment team will instead spread their budget on several midfield recruits. Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton is a prime option in that regard.
Aside from him, the ECHO understands Mount and Bayern Munich's Ryan Gravenberch are being assessed in a potential shopping list which is longer than it usually would be at this time in the season. However, reports from The Athletic indicate Liverpool have been dealt a blow when it comes to Mount.
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As per his article, David Ornstein states Old Trafford is the preferred destination for Mount on the proviso that he's unable to put pen-to-paper on an extended agreement with his current club. The 24-year-old only has 13 months to run on his deal at Stamford Bridge, which has alerted potential suitors from across Europe.
Incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino is thought to want Mount to stay and form a key part of his Chelsea squad when he takes charge next season. However, there's no clear sign the player will end his stand-still.
Mount progressed through the Chelsea ranks and has played 195 matches for the club in all competitions. He spent time on loan at Vitesse and Derby County earlier in his career and has gone to win 36 caps for England since making his senior debut in 2019. Further reports from The Daily Mail state United have already offered £55m for Mount as his current club Chelsea hold on for a proposed £85m for his services.
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