Liverpool interest ‘serious’ as Klopp plots path to beat Man Utd, Man City to £50m signing of Prem star of genuine ‘pedigree’
Liverpool are emerging as the leading candidates to sign a proven Premier League performer now almost certain to change clubs this summer, it can be revealed.
The Reds are, like many of their rivals, turning their thoughts towards the summer transfer window. And after a season of major disappointment, which will see Liverpool finish trophyless, Liverpool know a major overhaul of their squad is required.
The main focus for Jurgen Klopp will be on strengthening their midfield. To that end, the club have a long list of potential targets, with an incredible 49 names mentioned as potential transfer options.
However, the name right at the top of their wanted list is Jude Bellingham. Indeed, demand for the Borussia Dortmund star is huge and any deal will likely set the Merseysiders back a new club-record fee. To that end, the Bundesliga side are looking at a potential £120m for their prized asset.
Understandably, Liverpool are also casting their eye over other targets too. And one name frequently mentioned as a potential option is Chelsea star Mason Mount.
The England midfielder has been with the Blues since the age of nine and is one of their more successful academy graduates of recent times.
Indeed, he has made 192 appearances for the club, scoring 33 goals in the process.
However, with his deal expiring in summer 2024, his future is very much open to debate.
Per reports, Mount is looking for a new deal in the region of £250,000 a week, giving him parity with fellow academy graduate Reece James.
However, Chelsea’s proposal so far reportedly fall way below that, with no agreement reached so far.
Liverpool pushing hard to sign Mason Mount
A fresh and final round of talks are due to take place next month. But if no agreement is reached, then Mount will be put up for sale. According to widespread, reports, though, that agreement seems a long way off coming to fruition.
And with speculation mounting that a parting of ways is on the cards, a number of clubs are keeping a close watch on the situation.
Indeed, the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City are both reportedly admirers of Mount. Thursday’s Transfer Gossip also suggested Tottenham are also closely following his situation.
However, the strongest interest has undoubtedly come from Liverpool given Klopp’s desire to freshen up his midfield.
Now Raphael Honigstein, writing for The Athletic, claims the Reds are ‘serious’ about bringing the 24-year-old to Anfield.
‘Manchester United, Manchester City, Newcastle United and even Tottenham have been monitoring his situation since last summer,’ Honigstein wrote.
‘The current league leaders, Arsenal, may well seek to strengthen their options at No 8 in the summer and will be well aware of Mount’s pedigree – even if, at present, that is as far as their ‘interest’ has extended to date.’
Discussing Liverpool’s plans, he adds: ‘Rather, among rival Premier League clubs, it is Liverpool who appear in the strongest position when it comes to pursuing Mount’s signature.
‘Liverpool will attempt a midfield revamp in the next window. Of their current midfielders, Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all on course to be out of contract this summer and Arthur Melo will return to Juventus at the end of a season-long loan, while Jordan Henderson and Thiago will be 33 and 32 respectively by the start of the next campaign.
‘With that in mind, the interest in Mount from Anfield is serious.’
Chelsea star will not come cheap
Any deal for Mount, however, will not come cheap. And reports claim Chelsea owner Todd Boehly will try and start the bidding for the 36-cap England star at £70m.
However, with his deal expiring next summer, that looks way too ambitious. For Liverpool’s part, they believe a fee of around £40m can get the deal done. Chelsea won’t make it easy though and it may take a fee nearer £50m to agree a deal.
Mount, though, would prove an excellent signing for Liverpool. A player of proven pedigree, he has 57 goals and 46 assists from 274 career appearances.
And with a goal involvement every 2.6 matches, he can offer something that no other current Liverpool midfielder can. Indeed, the Reds have lacked a goal threat from midfield ever since Philippe Coutinho’s departure to Barcelona in January 2018.
Capable of also playing in an advanced role, his versatility would also be a big benefit to Klopp.
And with Oxlade-Chamberlain exiting, he’d give Liverpool a forward-thinking thrust which is often lacking from their midfield.
