Man Utd fuming over 'United tax' as Mount left in dark over Chelsea future

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 26 Jun 2023 20:15 BST
• 3 min read

Mason Mount is said to be ‘left in the dark’ over his failed exit from Chelsea, with Manchester United unwilling to continue negotiations over a transfer.

Mount is expected to leave Chelsea this summer after entering the final year of his contract and having told the club he will not sign an extension, prompting interest from the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal.

However, United have been the strongest suitors for Mount and were close to striking a deal with Chelsea for the 24-year-old but negotiations have since broken down between the two clubs.

ANGER: Man Utd furious over Mount chaos

According to the BBC, the Red Devils are refusing to get embroiled in negotiations as they believe they are being charged a ‘United tax’, with Chelsea turning down the latest £55 million offer for Mount.

The Blues are thought to be holding out for £57m with an additional £8m in add-ons but United believe the fee to be unreasonable when compared to Chelsea’s signing of Raheem Sterling last summer.

Sterling was in the final year of his contract with Manchester City, prompting Chelsea to buy him for £50m but their demanding of a significantly higher amount for Mount has caused United to pull out of negotiations and pursue other targets.

Mount unwilling to stay at Chelsea

Mount is desperate to leave Chelsea and is keen to join United but the Evening Standard claim that there has been no contact with the player and Erik ten Hag’s side since the most recent bid was rejected.

United’s £55m bid is still believed to be on the table but the club are now considering other options such as Adrien Rabiot and Moises Caicedo.

OPTIONS: Man Utd target American midfielder as Mount alternative

Mount has indicated he will leave Chelsea for free next summer if no transfer can be agreed, meaning the club could miss out on a significant windfall if they cannot strike a deal with United, with no other teams believed to be interested in the player now.

However, while United see Mount as a top target, they are still looking to spread resources across a number of positions and will not be held to ransom for the midfielder despite accepting there would be increased competition to sign him when he is on a free transfer next year.