Chelsea change stance as Man Utd’s next Mount move revealed by Romano

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 22 Jun 2023 07:31 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United are getting ready to launch a third bid for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Red Devils are seeking to strengthen the heart of their midfield this season and have already agreed personal terms with 24-year-old Mount.

Terms over a transfer, though, have not been agreed with Chelsea, who have rejected two previous bids from the Old Trafford side, with the second of those coming on Wednesday. After initially offering the Blues £40m, this bid was raised to £50m, though it was insufficient.

MORE: Chelsea’s three-man shortlist to replace Mateo Kovacic

Romano reports that Man Utd are eager to land Mount, who is out of contract next summer, and wants a “quick resolution” to the situation. Equally, though, they are not ready to make a “crazy” bid for a player previously valued at £80 million by Chelsea.

Erik ten Hag’s side will go in again for the England international, though the size of their bid is less clear.

MORE: Romano announces Chelsea’s next THREE transfers

Chelsea stance softening

What is apparent, though, is that Chelsea are softening on a sale. Mount can leave as a free agent next summer if terms cannot be thrashed out with Man Utd, and this has led to the Stamford Bridge side showing a willingness to be flexible on their asking price for the player.

According to Romano, a bid of around £60-65m will be sufficient to get a thumbs up from Chelsea.

Once this is achieved, the deal should go through quickly because Mount has already agreed his Man Utd contract.

Ten Hag’s side have yet to make a major signing this summer, despite the manager wanting any new arrivals in by the time pre-season training starts for the non-international players next week.

Man Utd have been frustrated because of the delays in the takeover process, which has left the Dutchman unclear on his budget, which is significantly smaller than it would likely have been had the club been bought.

Mount, though, looks like being Man Utd’s first summer signing, but a transfer fee still needs to be agreed with Chelsea. This third bid could be the trigger.