Man Utd transfers: Chelsea name crazy price for Mason Mount, as David Ornstein reveals likeliest of three possible outcomes

Chelsea will look to generate an eye-watering fee for confirmed Man Utd target, Mason Mount, and the ever-reliable David Ornstein has named the likeliest of three possible outcomes in the transfer saga.

Mount, 24, is the player Man Utd are turning to in their search for a box-to-box midfielder. Marcel Sabitzer filled that role over the second half of the season, though the Austrian will return to Bayern Munich after Erik ten Hag opted against pursuing a permanent move in favour of landing an upgrade.

Mount’s current contract at Chelsea expires at the end of the 2023/24 campaign. With the Blues unable to strike an agreement on fresh terms, the vultures began to circle.

Liverpool and Arsenal showed interest, but per the Athletic, the player’s preference is joining Man Utd.

The Telegraph subsequently reported the Red Devils have wrapped up an agreement on personal terms with Mount. All that remains is to agree a fee with Chelsea and have Mount undergo a medical.

Fabrizio Romano reported on Thursday that an official Man Utd bid is on the way. However, the trusted reporter acknowledged the difference in how highly United and Chelsea value Mount is an issue.

Now, speaking to Rio Ferdinand’s FIVE YouTube channel, the Athletic’s David Ornstein shed light on the numbers involved.

The trusted reporter claimed Chelsea will demand a staggering £70m fee for Mount, but will also ask for a further £10m in add-ons.

£80m is a colossal commitment for a player who’s about to enter the final year of his contract. Per Ornstein, United will understandably attempt to lower the price.

“Chelsea’s expectation is a high fee as far as I understand it,” said Ornstein. ” £70m plus £10m in add-ons.

“Man Utd and his other suitors will expect to be paying considerably less than that.

“I don’t know the precise figure, whether it’s £40m or £45m in the hope [Chelsea] will compromise to £55m.”

Three Mount outcomes possible; Ornstein names likeliest

Ornstein then suggested Chelsea are fully aware the fact Mount only has 12 months remaining on his contract weakens their bargaining power.

However, the reporter added that if the Blues don’t receive the fee they want, they could force Mount to see out the final year of his deal.

Alternatively, they may try a final time to tie Mount down to a new and improved contract which would end the exit speculation once and for all if signed.

Ornstein added Chelsea holding firm would be a gamble given their need to sell well and raise fees to conform with Financial Fair Play.

However, it’s not set in stone Mount has to be among those leaving Stamford Bridge this summer. Indeed, there’s no shortage of players Mauricio Pochettino is trying to offload at present.

Ornstein concluded his expectation of the three possible outcomes (permanent sale, forced to stay, new contract) is Mount will leave Chelsea this summer.

However, he admitted there’s still “plenty of work to be done”.

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