Chelsea playmaker Mason Mount is reportedly admired by the Manchester United hierarchy, who could try to move for the England international this summer amid his uncertain contract situation.
The 24-year-old progressed from the Blues' youth academy to become an integral performer for Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel, but he has found the going tougher under Graham Potter.
With the likes of Joao Felix, Mykhaylo Mudryk and Noni Madueke arriving in January, Mount is no longer a guaranteed starter for Chelsea and was a second-half substitute in the weekend's defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
Mount's contract at Stamford Bridge only runs until the end of next season, and Chelsea are supposedly struggling to make progress in talks over a renewal for the midfielder.
The playmaker is supposedly dissatisfied with the wages that are on the table, having indicated that he wants to become one of the highest-paid players at the club in order to stay on.
© Reuters
As a result, Chelsea have paused discussions with the 24-year-old's camp, and a number of Premier League clubs are said to be keeping a close eye on the situation.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, transfer expert Dean Jones claimed that Mount is "appreciated" by the powers-that-be at Old Trafford, although they are not convinced that he will be on the market this summer.
"He's definitely appreciated by people within United, so it is interesting. I think they've still got uncertainty about whether he's truly going to become available, though, at the end of the season. Chelsea are in a state of flux, at the moment," Jones said.
Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly's philosophy has centred around recruiting and retaining young talent at Stamford Bridge, but Man United will not be the only team to test their resolve over Mount.
Liverpool are understood to be firmly in the picture as they prepare for a significant midfield overhaul in the summer transfer window, while Newcastle United have also been linked with a move.
© Reuters
Since gleaning senior experience on loan with Vitesse and Derby County, Mount has registered 33 goals and 37 assists in 192 senior appearances for Chelsea in all competitions.
The England international has a Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup titles on his CV, but he has just three goals and six assists under his belt from 32 games this term.
Mount was unable to make an impact in a 30-minute cameo against Tottenham at the weekend, as Chelsea's dire form continued courtesy of goals from Oliver Skipp and Harry Kane.
The Blues have now gone six games without a win under Potter and remain mired in mid-table obscurity, sitting 10th in the rankings and 14 points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham, who have played a game more.
Despite their miserable run of results, Potter is still being backed by Chelsea chiefs as they prepare for Saturday's clash with Leeds United at Stamford Bridge.
Ben Knapton
