MASON MOUNT is “leaning” towards Manchester United as his preferred next club, reports suggest.
It comes after United were said to be preparing a £55million bid for the 24-year-old this summer.
The Athletic report Mount is “leaning” towards an Old Trafford move, with talks between Chelsea and Man Utd set to commence in due course.
Rival suitors Arsenal, Liverpool and Bayern Munich are also said to be aware of the England International’s preference.
Mount has been stalling on a new contract with his deal at Stamford Bridge set to expire next season.
Ahead of Chelsea’s Thursday trip to Old Trafford to face the Red Devils, Blues boss Frank Lampard remained coy when speaking on Mount’s future.
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He said: “I don’t know [his future].
“That’s not my answer to make. That’s between Mason and the club.”
Incoming Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino reportedly wants Mount as part of his project going forward.
Chelsea hopes this will help to convince the Cobham Academy graduate that his future lies in West London.
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Despite United’s interest, the ongoing ownership saga will need to be resolved before a deal can be put tangibly put into place.
Mount is also far from the top of United’s priority list, with a new striker and central defender the most pressing issues for Erik ten Hag’s squad.
The creative midfielder has struggled with both fitness and form this campaign.
Indeed, just three goals and two assists in the Premier League – while adding four assists in the Champions League – is far from Mount’s usual highs.
His best goal-involvement return in a single season at Stamford Bridge came in the 2021/22 season when he struck 13 goals and added 16 assists.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
