Chelsea are reportedly struggling to make headway in talks with Mason Mount over a new long-term contract.
The England international's current deal expires in the summer of 2024, meaning that he will be able to leave as a free agent at the end of next season as things stand.
Chelsea are working to tie Mount down to fresh terms as a matter of priority, but they will be left in a tricky situation if the 24-year-old opts not to renew.
Liverpool are believed to be keeping a close eye on developments surrounding the future of the 24-year-old, who Chelsea may be forced to sell this summer if talks over a new deal do not bear fruit.
According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is spearheading talks over a new seven-year contract for Mount, but talks have hit a standstill over his pay packet.
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The report claims that Mount is still one of the lowest-paid players at Stamford Bridge, and he wants a salary that reflects his continued importance to Graham Potter's team.
Instead, Chelsea are pointing to their recent January signings - who are all earning approximately £70,000 a week on average - and the protection offered by their long-term deals.
With Mount after a wage that would bring him in line with his England teammates at Stamford Bridge, negotiations have yielded little progress so far, and Chelsea could lean towards letting the midfielder go in the summer.
Following loan spells with Vitesse and Derby County, Mount has registered 33 goals and 37 assists in 188 outings for Chelsea, winning the Champions League, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.
The England international has largely struggled to show his best form this season, though, scoring just three goals and setting up six more in 28 appearances across all competitions.
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Mount has not directly contributed to a goal in five successive Premier League games, but he remains a favourite of Potter's and has started 19 times in the top flight this season.
While negotiations with Mount are not progressing, Chelsea are on the verge of agreeing a new short-term deal with 38-year-old centre-back Thiago Silva, who is set to extend until 2024.
Talks are also ongoing with the entourage of N'Golo Kante, whose deal expires at the end of the season, but the Frenchman remains unhappy with the length of the contract on the table.
Chelsea have supposedly offered Kante a two-year deal with the option of a third, but the 31-year-old - who has only played twice this season due to injury - is after a fixed three years.
The Blues sit ninth in the Premier League table and are next in action away to London rivals West Ham United on Saturday lunchtime.
Ben Knapton
