Man United and Chelsea ‘have opened talks over the Red Devils’ move for Mason Mount’

Manchester United and Chelsea have opened talks to firm up the Red Devils’ move for Mason Mount. 

The 24-year-old is believed to have agreed personal terms with United after the end of the season on Sunday as Erik ten Hag firms up his plan for a summer revamp of his squad. 

The west London club have held a number of discussions with their two-time Player of Season but failed to agree on a new deal for their academy product. 

As things stand, Mount is on a deal with a reported £75,0000-a-week salary, making him one of the Blues’ lowest earners in the first team.

But despite Chelsea offering him new terms which would make him as much as £200,000 per week, Mount is said to have favoured a move away from Stamford Bridge. 

Man United and Chelsea have opened discussion over the former’s move for Mason Mount

Erik ten Hag put the midfielder at the top of his transfer wishlist and personal terms are agreed

Todd Boehly (right) carried out discussions with the player’s representatives alongside co-sporting director Paul Winstanley

United are increasingly confident of getting the midfielder’s signature despite a chasm in expectations of Mount’s price between the two clubs. 

As Mail Sport reported earlier this week, Chelsea value their player at around £85million, whereas United’s hierarchy imagine a figure closer to £55m. 

Although Chelsea are unwilling to sell Mount, with just a year left on his contract and representing pure profit for the club, they are expecting a deal to be struck. 

Relations have become strained between the England international and his club after talks have dragged on for nearly a year. 

The Blues were prepared to offer their player a lucrative one-year extension to allow for further discussion under less time pressure, but this was roundly rejected.  

Tension ramped up with Mount’s appointment of Neil Fewings from Roof as an intermediary, which the Chelsea hierarchy believed was a sign that the midfielder was sounding out a move to the north-east, where Fewings has deep ties. 

Chelsea insiders have said that Mount has relied on his representatives to conduct the discussions, refusing to engage with the club himself. 

Mount said an emotional goodbye to Stamford Bridge after last Sunday’s game with Newcastle

The player is currently unwinding in Barcelona, taking in qualifying at the Spanish Grand Prix

But there is still a slim chance Mount could stay and play a role in incoming head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s takeover next season, with the club willing to let his contract run down if offers are deemed sub-par during the upcoming window. 

Mount is currently unwinding from a challenging season by spending time in Barcelona with team-mates Ben Chilwell and Reece James. 

The player has struggled throughout Chelsea’s chaotic campaign with persistent injuries and a dip in form. 

Mount was unable to see out the end of the season due to a surgical procedure but he was present for the final match of the season, where he took part in an emotional ‘lap of appreciation’ for perhaps the final time at Stamford Bridge.