Chelsea star Mason Mount has been warned over a potential move to Manchester United in the summer transfer window, due to a U-turn on the future of David De Gea. The England international is heavily linked with a switch to Old Trafford, with just one-year remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge.
There is currently no progress being made on a new deal with the midfielder, with an exit looking the most likely outcome. However, there is still a difference between the valuation set by Chelsea and United in any potential transfer, despite personal terms already being agreed.
Two bids were rejected by the Blues as football.london understood that the west London outfit held a firm stance on their £70million valuation. The Red Devils came in with a third and final offer for the 24-year-old at £55million, which was countered by Chelsea with a £65million deal.
While that appeared to soften the stance from the Blues, United were said to have switched focus elsewhere, though their offer remained valid. A new meeting has been scheduled for the coming days that appear to be make or break, with an agreement suiting all parties.
However, there remains questions over whether Old Trafford would be the best destination for Mount, with plenty of other teams also interested in a move. While Erik ten Hag's introduction has seen the side competing near the top end again, with the prospect of trophies, there are questions over their ability to work in the transfer market.
READ MORE: Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Done deal, Harry Kane bid, Caicedo move, Mount latest, Kovacic exit
One of the latest examples has been a U-turn on goalkeeper De Gea; the Athletic reports that a new contract had been agreed with the Spaniard on reduced wages, but the club decided against signing it, and are subsequently offering an even further reduced wage to the 32-year-old. It leaves the shot-stopper in a situation where either a new deal will have to be agreed again or an exit is on the cards this summer.
For many fans, this was unacceptable to a player they hold in such high regard, despite his recent troubles with performances. Many took to social media to vent their fury.
@diceybaby100: "What a joke."
@AidanWalshMUFC: "Honestly the way the club have handled this De Gea situation is horrendous. Does he need to leave? Yes. But deal with it properly and give him some respect."
@ebubechi_nwosu: "That's bad treatment from the club."
@DeanCla65257372: "That’s not the way to treat a long servant at the club. Whether he is good enough for us as we move forward is a different matter. Feels like a United disjointed approach."
@GregTho10581917: "Ridiculous treatment. He's a legend of the club for god's sake."
@dipsMUFC: "What a horrible way to treat a long-serving employee. This club is a shambles when it comes to handling matters like this #MUFC."
It remains to be seen whether this type of situation may reflect poorly on United for those looking to make the switch this summer, such as Mount.
