Liverpool handed major boost as Mount's contract talks are halted by Chelsea

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 20 Feb 2023 09:16 GMT
• 3 min read

Mason Mount's contract extension talks at Chelsea have been paused until the summer, opening the door for Liverpool to swoop for the England international.

Mount, 24, has been heavily linked with a transfer away from Stamford Bridge in recent months, with the midfielder demanding a wage increase to put him on par with Chelsea's highest earners.

The Englishman, who has won back-to-back 'Player of the Year' awards at the club, reportedly feels he is undervalued and wants the club to reward him for his performances since breaking into the first-team under Frank Lampard.

READ: Josko Gvardiol drops major Chelsea transfer hint

However, despite making Mount's contract extension a priority upon arriving, Todd Boehly has yet to resolve the issue, which has led to increased speculation of a move away.

Liverpool have emerged as the most likely destination, with Jurgen Klopp's side said to be keen on landing the midfielder as they look to bolster their options in the middle of the park.

Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham remains a key target for the Reds, but FootballTransfers have exclusively reported that signing both players this summer is a possible for the Anfield side.

READ: Chelsea and Tottenham chase Brighton wonderkid Evan Ferguson

Furthermore, Liverpool have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Mount, with Chelsea putting contract talks on hold until the end of the 2022/23 season, according to David Ornstein.

Mount talks halted by Chelsea

The Blues are reportedly keen to focus their attention on fixing the tragic form that has seen them pick up just one win in their last 10 games in all competitions, rather than sorting out Mount's contract situation.

Graham Potter has come under increased scrutiny by fans, with form hitting an all-time low and Chelsea down in 10th place in the Premier League table.

Mount himself has endured a difficult campaign, and has borne the brunt of much criticism for the West London club's poor form. After hitting double digits for both goals and assists in the Premier League last season, Mount has registered just three goals and two assists in 22 appearances this time around.

However, Liverpool remain keen on signing him and could pounce to agree a deal with the player following Chelsea's decision to put talks with Mount on the back-burner.