Mason Mount's future at Chelsea is hanging in the balance heading into the final 12 months of his current contract.
The Cobham graduate could be one of the most recognisable players on the club's transfer list in the summer following months of unsuccessful talks. Mount has already rejected a proposal to sign a new seven-year deal in west London, with the England international ambitious in his wage rise demand - something Todd Boehly and Co are yet to agree on.
Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal are all interested in signing Mount this summer, with potential suitors aware of the situation Chelsea find themselves in. Should no deal be agreed between the two parties, selling the 24-year-old may be forced on the club at the end of the season.
READ MORE: Todd Boehly can hand Mauricio Pochettino 'perfect' Chelsea gift with glowing reunion
The appointment of the next permanent manager will certainly be huge in Mount's decision-making. football.london understands that Mauricio Pochettino has agreed a deal to take over at Stamford Bridge. Mount's individual circumstance is just one of many Pochettino will be compelled to confront when he is appointed.
Pochettino has a remarkable track record of developing and bettering attacking players throughout his time in management - especially at Tottenham. And despite reports that the Argentine needs 'a miracle' to keep the playmaker in SW6, it could be the perfect match to resolve the issue.
With that being said, football.london digests four challenges Pochettino faces in playing his part to secure Mount's services beyond the summer.
Player welfare
Before the Boehly-Clearlake Capital takeover was completed, Mount was one of the star-studied names at Chelsea, perhaps the club's most influential. Last season, he played 53 times in all competitions, contributing to 29 goals under Thomas Tuchel.
This term has been a completely different story. Some would argue the disorganisation of the club from above hasn't helped any player, but certainly Mount. The midfielder has scored only three times this term, assisting a further six. Minutes have been hard to come by and his form has dwindled.
Injuries haven't helped and the poor season for the club as a whole has made it difficult for most players to feel good.
Pochettino's first task, if Mount is in his plans, is to reinstate that feel-good factor with Mount. When at his happiest, we've seen a string of superb performances and confidence brings good performances. That's the first task.
Contract puzzle
Pochettino's man-management has been highlighted as one of his best attributes by many ex-players. At Chelsea, he will need to flex that muscle more than ever.
At Paris Saint-Germain, he was forced to work with Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar - some of the biggest profiles in the sport. His time in Paris, perhaps, didn't go exactly as he would have liked, but there were no complaints on the player front.
It's unclear whether Poch will be thoroughly involved in the contract talks with Mount, but there's no doubt Boehly will use the Argentine as a key tool in negotiations.
Like most Chelsea players, Mount will have done his research on this next manager. Teammates with England, like Harry Kane and Eric Dier, enjoyed tremendous stints under Pochettino and their glowing reference could prove pivotal.
2023/24 promises
A key element in Mount's decision whether to stay at Chelsea will be how regular he will feature next season. The summer arrivals in attack forced him to accept a deeper role, but Enzo Fernandez's £106m signing added more depth in midfield.
When fit this campaign, Mount started 20 of his 26 games in the league, taking up positions in an attacking midfielder role. Pochettino is famous for using the traditional 4-2-3-1 formation - a system perfect for Mount - though he had history using a 3-4-3.
Liverpool and Arsenal are both desperate for a player of Mount's calibre - someone to be the final piece of the jigsaw in connecting the midfield and attack. Chelsea's job is to convince the Cobham star that he will be a regular under him.
Dele Alli role
As does every fanbase when a new manager edges closer to being appointed, Chelsea supporters have compared many of their stars to the individuals Pochettino succeeded with at Tottenham and Mount could be a perfect example.
Pochettino turned Dele Alli from an English wonderkid into one of the Premier League's best players in the space of three seasons, playing him in an advanced number eight role.
If Mount needs any evidence on the Argentine's track record in developing players, he should look no further than Alli. Under Pochettino, Alli scored 55 goals. If Mount can rediscover his 2020/21 form, he would be like a lavish new signing.
READ NEXT:
Mauricio Pochettino made three Premier League decisions before Chelsea agreement
Jim Ratcliffe eyes Graham Potter appointment as Manchester United takeover edges closer
Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez send Mauricio Pochettino message as transfer stance revealed
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly told clear reason to give Mauricio Pochettino his very own Harry Kane
Chelsea can kickstart Mauricio Pochettino reign with major move for secret weapon
