CHELSEA have been boosted by a “positive breakthrough” in their contract talks with Mason Mount, according to reports.
The midfielder, 23, has just 18 months left to run on his current deal at Stamford Bridge.
Fellow academy graduate Reece James penned a lengthy extension to become the club’s highest-paid defender ever in September.
And now according to The Athletic, Mount could follow suit soon.
Negotiations had previously been at a stalemate leading to speculation that his future could lie elsewhere.
However, the report states that new co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali sat down with Mount’s representatives in recent weeks and progress has been made.
RREAD MORE ON CHELSEA
The latest round of talks were the most constructive and there is said to be “genuine hope” a deal could be signed in January after the World Cup.
Although there are still some aspects of the agreement yet to be finalised.
Mount, who joined Chelsea aged six, is still on the same contract he signed after returning from his loan spell at Derby in 2019.
Since then, the ace has developed into a first-team regular under Frank Lampard, Thomas Tuchel and now Graham Potter.
Most read in Football
PLAY OUR DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP FANTASY FOOTBALL GAME TO WIN A SHARE OF £50k
He is the only player to feature in all 14 of Chelsea’s Premier League games this season – contributing two goals and two assists.
As well as securing a bumper pay rise, Mount will also be keen to commit to the right length of time – protecting his future without tying himself down for too long.
It is reported he has already rejected an offer for seven years.
Mount’s focus is now solely on international duty with England.
He touched down in Qatar for his first World Cup on Tuesday and will hope to impress on the global stage despite an under-par season so far for his beloved blues.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
