Manchester United are ready to pursue Chelsea playmaker Mason Mount, according to reports.
For several weeks, there has been conjecture that the England international may eventually play at Old Trafford beginning next season.
The Blues academy graduate, who has been linked with a number of teams, is said to favour Manchester United if he leaves Stamford Bridge this summer.
That is thought to be highly plausible given that his contract has just over a year left on it and the relevant parties are currently not considering new terms due to prior failed attempts.
Chelsea needed to strengthen their financial position by June 30, therefore it was thought that they would have made progress in decreasing their pay cost and squad size by this point.
Despite continuous speculation about a number of players, it has only been reported that Denis Zakaria and Joao Felix will return to their respective parent clubs, Juventus and Atletico Madrid.
Nonetheless, mindful that their greatest chance of reaching an agreement with Chelsea is before the end of this month, United are ready to move.
Sources: Manchester United and Erik Ten Hag wants Mount at Old Trafford next season
United are set to make their first formal offer in the coming days, according to Sky Sports News.
Mount has been identified as a key transfer target by head coach Erik ten Hag ahead of the 2023-24 season, with the player capable of playing a variety of roles in midfield and the final third.
However, the source adds that United have no intention of overpaying for Mount, which puts an agreement very much in jeopardy.
United are thought to be willing to pay around £50 million, whilst Chelsea are said to be demanding at least £70 million.
As things stand, it’s unclear whether Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital intend to change their stance, which could work in their favour as they try to finalise their own signings.
Despite a disappointing season, Mount has 33 goals and 37 assists in 195 games for Chelsea in all competitions.
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