In the ongoing transfer saga surrounding Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, Manchester United appears ready to make a third and potentially decisive offer. Insiders close to the situation report that the final bid will range from £55 million ($69.9m) to £60 million ($76.2m).
The Manchester-based club has made previous unsuccessful attempts to secure the services of Mount. Their most recent offer, totalling £50 million ($63.5m), was rejected by Chelsea. The London club initially insisted on a £70 million ($88.9m) price tag for the midfielder. However, they've indicated a willingness to negotiate, counter-proposing a £65 million ($82.6m) valuation.
Mount's interest in the Old Trafford move is evident, and he remains hopeful about a consensus being reached. His contract with Chelsea, which comes up for renewal next year, hasn't seen any progress on extension talks for several months.
Chelsea faces mounting pressure to finalize transactions before the UEFA's Financial Fair Play deadline on June 30. Their spending spree under the stewardship of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, which saw the club shelling out more than £650m ($825.6m) on player acquisitions in the first full tax year, puts them in a precarious position. However, imminent departures, including the likes of Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, and Hakim Ziyech, should alleviate some financial strain.
Manchester United's pursuit of Mount is partly driven by manager Erik ten Hag's admiration for the player. Ten Hag first spotted Mount's potential during his tenure as Ajax head coach when the then 18-year-old was playing for Vitesse Arnhem on loan.
A move away from Stamford Bridge seems likely for Mount, who's unwilling to renew his contract with Chelsea. It's speculated that the London club will look to capitalize on the midfielder's expiring contract.
Despite their focus on Mount, Manchester United has kept their options open in the midfield. They are reportedly eyeing West Ham United's Declan Rice among others, with prospective player sales potentially boosting their budget.
Sky Sports News reporter James Savundra weighed in on the situation, saying, "Mount is now ready for another challenge and I think this could be a match made in heaven when you look at what Manchester United have been lacking this season."
All eyes are on Old Trafford as Manchester United readies its final bid, with Mount expected to be a Red Devil by the end of the transfer window, pending Chelsea's agreement.
