Manchester United are reportedly monitoring any developments with the future of Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount.
Since breaking into the first team in 2019, the academy graduate has regularly commanded a place in the starting lineup, making a total of 190 appearances in all competitions.
However, despite recording 33 goals and 37 assists during that time, those numbers largely came from his performances before the 2022-23 campaign.
Given the influx of talent at Stamford Bridge, the 24-year-old is no longer an automatic first choice under Graham Potter, a development which has occurred when club officials are allegedly locked in an impasse over a new contract.
As it stands, Mount has a deal until 2024, but it is has been suggested that he is reluctant to pen fresh terms unless he is on parity with the likes of Reece James, who has taken the same route into the first team, and Raheem Sterling, reportedly made the club's highest earner when arriving in the summer.
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According to ESPN, Mount is also against signing a contract in the region of seven years or more, like has become common practice under the club's new owners.
That effectively leaves Chelsea in a position where they must reach a decision over their next move, aware at some stage that they must start boosting their income on the back of such an extravagant financial outlay.
The report claims that Man United and Manchester City are now monitoring the situation as they consider whether to pull off what would be regarded as a significant coup.
United are expected to make midfield additions in the summer, although Mount arguably possesses qualities already offered by the likes of Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes.
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From City's perspective, Mount could bring something different to the squad at a time when Bernardo Silva is frequently being linked with a departure from the Etihad Stadium.
Liverpool have also been linked with Mount in the past and are known to be ready to undergo a midfield refresh during the summer transfer window.
On Thursday, it was claimed that Chelsea were prepared to consider using Mount in any proposal to sign Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid on a permanent basis.
Felix is currently on loan at the West Londoners, where he has chipped in with one goal from three starts and brought a much-needed freshness to the final third.
Darren Plant
