- 13 hours ago
Mason Mount: Premier League club to rival Liverpool for Chelsea midfielder
Mason Mount looks increasingly likely to leave Chelsea this summer after another Premier League side joined Liverpool in the race to sign him.
The 24-year-old is in the final 18 months of his contract at Stamford Bridge and negotiations over an extension have stalled, with Chelsea losing faith in coming to an agreement with their academy graduate.
The Blues are considering selling Mount in the summer to avoid him leaving on a free next year and Liverpool had been keen on a move but they now face competition from Newcastle, who are monitoring the situation.
LIKELY: Mount moving closer to Chelsea exit
The Magpies are looking to establish themselves among the Premier League elite and could represent an intriguing option for Mount due to their financial prowess and progress under Eddie Howe this season.
Liverpool are understood to have made early contact with Mount’s representatives in the hopes of convincing him over a move to Anfield but the England international may still eventually agree terms on a deal with Chelsea.
Mount has struggled for form this season and Chelsea are reluctant to meet his wage demands, believed to be in excess of £200,000 a week.
Why Chelsea could be open to Mount departure
Although Chelsea would still like to keep hold of Mount, they are open to selling him to help them comply with Financial Fair Play regulations, with academy graduate sales representing as pure profit on the balance sheets.
Chelsea are prepared to be more cautious over their spending this summer following their outlay of more than £600 million in the two windows since new owner Todd Boehly arrived.
COSTS: The losses Chelsea could face if they fail to qualify for the Champions League
The Blues currently sit 11 points outside the top four and could miss out on a substantial windfall if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, which could impact their spending potential in the summer.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are prioritising a move for Jude Bellingham but they are also expected to spend around £100m extra on other players, meaning a move for Mount could still be possible alongside Bellingham, with the club’s midfield desperately needing revitalising.
Newcastle also have one eye on FFP and may be limited in how much they could spend on Mount but they are expected to challenge Liverpool if the midfielder does become available for transfer.