Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount is reportedly closing in on a £60million move to Manchester United.
The Red Devils suffered their frustrations in the pursuit of the England international when they saw a bid worth up to £50million turned down by Chelsea earlier this week. The Blues are holding out for a fee in the region of £70million, but with the player about to enter the final year of his contract and pushing to leave, the Premier League clubs are set to find a middle ground.
According to the Daily Mirror, Mason Mount is edging towards completing a switch to Manchester United, with the Chelsea midfielder already agreeing personal terms worth £200,000-per-week with the Red Devils.
Mount, 24, does not intend to extend his current deal at Stamford Bridge—which expires in the summer of 2024—and the Pensioners are expected to not stand in the way of the creative midfielder’s next move, the report adds.
Mason Mount to Manchester United—Right move for the club?
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is looking to bolster his squad ahead of competing in the Champions League and for more trophies next season. In addition to a striker, addressing the problems in central midfield has been identified as Ten Hag’s priority in this summer transfer window.
The Dutch tactician wants to add more athleticism, legs and dynamism in midfield and is believed to be an admirer of Mason Mount’s pressing and versatility. Mason Mount has made 195 appearances for Chelsea since breaking into the first team, scoring 33 goals and providing 37 assists. However, he had a poor 2022-23 campaign just like most of his Chelsea teammates, as the west Londoners finished a hugely disappointing 12th in the table.
A potential move to Man United could help the midfielder to revive his fortunes and stake a claim in the England squad ahead of the 2024 Euros. The 24-year-old’s creativity, energy and off-the-ball work rate would certainly lift United and make them less ponderous in midfield. In terms of work ethic and stamina, Mount would be an upgrade on Christian Eriksen, who is 31 and usually tires after 60 minutes on the pitch.
The ex-Derby County man can play across different positions in the midfield and attack, and his versatility is a boon that Ten Hag will look to make the most use of at United. He is an ideal number 10 for Ten Hag to pair up with Bruno Fernandes and further improve United’s creative edge in the final third.
Even though Mason Mount is about to enter the final year of his contract at Chelsea, anything close to £55million would represent an astute signing for the Red Devils. He is Ten Hag’s No.1 target in midfield and the United chiefs must ensure their manager gets his man.