Chelsea could quickly have a bidding war on their hands as another Premier League club joins the race to sign Mason Mount. The 24-year-old faces an increasingly uncertain future at Stamford Bridge after entering the final 18 months of his contract.
One of the priorities for the Clearlake Capital consortium, led by Todd Boehly, following their takeover last year was to tie Mount down to a new long-term deal, football.london understands. But it's believed that negotiations have proven difficult thus far, with the proposed length of contract proving to be an issue.
The Cobham graduate, who is said to be on around £75,000-a-week, is far from one of the top earners at the club despite being an international for England. If neither Mount nor Chelsea can reach an agreement over a new deal, then the midfielder will be free to leave in the summer of 2024.
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In the meantime, Mount is likely to be available for a cut-price fee. football.london also understands that Liverpool are long-term admirers of the Englishman, while both Manchester City and Manchester United are said to be monitoring his situation.
And, according to the Daily Mail, Newcastle have now also joined the race to sign Mount as Eddie Howe looks to refresh his midfield options. It's said that the Chelsea star is one of several Premier League stars being targeted by the Magpies ahead of the summer, with Kieran Tierney, James Maddison and Youri Tielemans also on their radar.
While doubt has been cast over Mount's future, Graham Potter is hopeful that an agreement can be reached between the midfielder and Chelsea. Speaking to the press last month, the Blues boss said: "It's always complicated, there is always negotiation.
"It's best I leave it between Mason and the club, that is the best way for that to be dealt with as far as I'm concerned. He's been fantastic to work with, an important player for us, and of course, I hope it gets resolved quickly."
As an ultimatum awaits, William Gallas has urged Mount to knuckle down and prove his worth to Chelsea. Speaking to Genting Casino, the former Blues and Arsenal defender said: "I don’t understand what is going on with Mason.
"It is very difficult for me to understand that situation. When Frank Lampard was there, followed by Thomas Tuchel, he had several great seasons.
"The contract speculation doesn't help him, but I don’t know if it is a problem. Even if you are renewing your contract, that should be the job of your agent and you have to stay focused with what you are doing on the pitch.
"The best way to get what you want with your contract is to perform, it is that simple. It is not to be angry and to let your performances drop, the best thing to do is to perform.
"You have to show the board that they are wrong because you deserve to be in the starting XI, you deserve to stay at Chelsea and you deserve to get what you are asking for..."
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