Manchester United remain confident of signing Mason Mount despite Chelsea rejecting their first two offers for the midfielder.
Chelsea are holding out for £70m, even though Mount’s contract runs out next summer. United had their latest offer of £45m plus £5m in add-ons rejected on Wednesday and are biding their time before returning with a third bid.
Erik ten Hag is keen to add more athleticism in midfield and admires Mount’s pressing and versatility. United hope Chelsea will be forced to lower their asking priceafter talks over a contract extension hit a brick wall over wages.
Chelsea have a policy of selling players who enter the final year of their deals and there is hope at United that they will accept a bid that comes close to £60m. The danger for Chelsea is that they could lose Mount on a free if they refuse to sell this summer. Mount will be free to sign a pre-contract with a foreign club from January. Bayern Munich have shown an interest.
Mount’s relationship with Chelsea has grown frosty since last summer and it is likely that a parting of the ways would suit both parties. There is, however, concern about United walking away if Chelsea refuse to budge from their valuation. It is understood United could switch focus to a deal for Brighton’s Moisés Caicedo if they end their interest in Mount. Chelsea are pushing to sign Caicedo.
Fulham are serious contenders in the race for the Southampton captain, James Ward-Prowse. The relegated Saints are likely to demand close to £30m for Ward-Prowse, who is thought to favour a move to Marco Silva's side over West Ham or Brentford.
West Ham are targeting Fulham's João Palhinha to replace Declan Rice, who is the subject of interest from Arsenal and Manchester City. That could create a space in the Fulham midfield for Ward-Prowse to link up with his former Saints teammate Harrison Reed.
Elsewhere, Celtic have made their first signing of the second Brendan Rodgers era, bringing in Norwegian midfielder Odin Thiago Holm on a five-year contract for £2.5m from Vålerenga.
"I have spent time already with Odin, he is an ambitious, exciting young player and I know he is delighted to be joining us," Rodgers said of the 20-year-old. "I have looked at him closely and believe he is someone who can make a big impact here." PA Media
United’s stance on a fee for Mount is that his contract is running down. Chelsea have accepted an offer of £25m plus £5m in add-ons from Manchester City for Mateo Kovacic, who has a year left on his deal. They are also selling Kai Havertz, who has two years left on his deal, to Arsenal for an initial £60m. Chelsea paid £47.5m for Raheem Sterling when he had a year left on his deal at City last summer.
Arsenal and Liverpool explored deals for Mount but United are his likeliest destination. Personal terms with United will not be an issue.
There could still be a way back for Mount at Chelsea if he stays. Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea’s new head coach, would like to work with the 24-year-old. Pochettino could push for talks over a new deal to resume if Mount is not sold.
