Mount contract ‘U-turn’ gives Chelsea ‘hope’ in Liverpool blow as Prem duo ‘drop out’ of race
Hope is growing at Chelsea that Mason Mount will agree a new contract this summer, according to a report.
Mount’s contract is set to expire in 2024 and he has reportedly turned down several offers to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are reportedly reluctant to meet the England midfielder’s wage demands, with Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal all keeping tabs on his situation.
Mount came through the Chelsea youth academy and you’d probably think staying in West London would be his top priority.
However, this season has been indifferent, and the combination of the club’s transfer business and Mount’s lack of minutes means he is open to a summer move.
The expectation is that the 24-year-old will leave if he fails to agree a new Blues contract.
And a new contract has seemed extremely unlikely for quite some time now.
A recent report stated that Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly had a direct conversation with Mount, which grew hopes throughout the club’s hierarchy that the player would sign a new deal.
Perhaps that conversation has had a bigger effect on things than first assumed.
The main reason for this? The imminent appointment of Mauricio Pochettino are the club’s new manager.
Pochettino’s expected arrival has ‘given hope to those inside’ the club that the English international will agree fresh terms.
Mount has been ‘promised more first-team action’ as well as a ‘key role in the side’ from next season.
Should the player fail to agree a new deal, Liverpool ‘remain the favourites’ and the Reds’ hierarchy have told Jurgen Klopp they will give him the funds to sign him.
The report also claims that Newcastle United and Manchester City have ‘pulled out’ of the race to sign Mount this summer.
As mentioned prior, Mount’s wage demands are proving to be a major stumbling block in negotiations.
The former Derby County loanee wants to be among the club’s highest earners. However, Boehly is eager to implement a ‘stricter wage structure’.
The report states: ‘Chelsea started negotiations with a contract offer worth £100,000 per week, but negotiations have seen a number of additional clauses added to the deal including goal bonuses and appearance fees.’
The Blues have lost all five games Frank Lampard has taken charge of since he replaced Graham Potter on an interim basis last month.
It will not get any easier for Lampard and his players, with a trip to Arsenal on Tuesday coming before matches against Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle in the run-in.
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