Manchester United have set their sights on Mason Mount and could tempt the midfielder with an offer of the iconic No.7 shirt - although he may not actually want it.
Mount's exit from Chelsea after 18 years is looking increasingly likely, with the 24-year-old entering the final year of his contract and showing little sign of agreeing an extension. United were one of several Premier League sides to register their interest early on, and Erik ten Hag's side have intensified their pursuit in recent weeks.
Earlier this week, the Reds submitted a second bid of around £50million after seeing their opening offer - thought to be around £40million - swatted away. Talks are continuing and they are favourites to win the race.
In a bid to entice Mount north to M16, United could offer him a chance to don the famous No.7 shirt, worn most recently by Cristiano Ronaldo and historically by David Beckham, Eric Cantona and George Best. However Mount has never worn that number before and could see his current choice open up.
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Speaking in 2021, Mount explained his decision to take the No.19 at Chelsea: “It was my first number at Vitesse [on loan between 2017-2018]. I chose it because my birthday is on the tenth and I couldn’t wear number ten. One plus nine is ten!
“That was the only one I could get, and I was nineteen [years old] when I was there. I then went to Derby [on loan in 2018] and wore number eight and then I came back to Chelsea and all the good numbers were taken, but luckily I got that one back again.”
Unfortunately for Mount, that No.10 shirt is currently occupied by Marcus Rashford, who claimed it for the 2018/2019 campaign and has held onto it since. The 25-year-old is United's talisman and highly unlikely to give it up.
However the No.19, currently occupied by Raphael Varane, could become available this summer. With Phil Jones departing at the end of his contract, his No.4 shirt will open up, with the experienced French defender first in line for an upgrade.
As such, his No.19 could be freed up for Mount, with the England international sticking by the same simple logic that made his initial decision at Vitesse.
It could leave United looking for the next star to don the famous No.7 shirt next season, whether that be a big-money signing or a current Red eyeing a major upgrade.
