Lisandro Martinez could derail Manchester United's plan to sign Mason Mount this summer following a heated altercation with the Chelsea star. The 24-year-old midfielder faces an increasingly uncertain future at Stamford Bridge, with his contract set to expire at the end of next season.
football.london understands that the Blues have been in talks with Mount over a new deal for a while now, but they've only recently reopened negotiations. It's said that conversations have proven complicated, with the proposed length of contract and wage packet an issue.
The England international is not among the top earners at Cobham despite notching nearly 200 appearances for the club. If an agreement isn't reached then Mount will be available via a free transfer in June 2024 and, until then, on the market for a discounted fee.
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football.london also understands that Liverpool are long admirers, but it could be the Red Devils who strike first. According to the Daily Mail, Erik ten Hag's side are preparing a £55million for Mount, though that figure is considerably less than the £85m valuation set out by Chelsea.
While United supporters may be keen to see their club sign the Englishman, Martinez could complicate proceedings. In October, when the Blues welcomed Erik ten Hag's side to Stamford Bridge, Mount had a heated altercation with the Argentine.
Half an hour into the tie, Martinez fell to the ground while trying to retain possession at the byline. The Cobham graduate tried to take the ball from him but the United defender leapt in front of the ball and shielded it.
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After the visitors were awarded a free-kick for Mount's misdemeanour, Martinez shoved him. They immediately squared up to one another but, before a mass brawl broke out, Luke Shaw separated them.
There was certainly static between Mount and Martinez, but only time will tell if they left their emotions on the pitch. Nevertheless, after the game, Graham Potter highlighted the altercation as a key turning point.
"First 30 minutes I thought Manchester United were better and forced us back," said the former Chelsea boss. "We had to adjust a little bit there, try to get another player in the midfield and put a bit more pressure on them.
"They were building their attacks to easily and driving us back, so we had to adjust that. From that point, I thought we did well in the game. We are disappointed of course to concede late but over the course of the game, I think a point is right for us.
"I don’t think we can sit here and say we deserved to win because we didn’t do enough to win the game I don’t think. But effort-wise, what the boys put in, was amazing. It was a fantastic effort from the players and I am proud of them for that."
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