Mason Mount: Man Utd to launch improved second bid but Murtough warns Chelsea with ‘maximum price’ revealed

James Marshment 15 Jun 2023 2:56 PM

Manchester United are reportedly set to submit a new approach to Chelsea for Mason Mount – but Red Devils transfer guru John Murtough is ready to walk away with the club putting a cost limit on the prospective deal.

The England midfielder is at something of a career crossroads, with just a year left at Stamford Bridge. And with the club initially refusing to meet his wage demands, a move away from Chelsea has looked likely for some months now.

The appointment though of Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea did raise optimism that an agreement with Mount may now be reached. The Argentine is reportedly a huge admirer of the 24-year-old’s, seeing him as a key figure in their set-up.

However, it seems the delay in agreeing to Mount’s contract wishes have counted against Chelsea. As a result, the player has had his head turned by interest elsewhere. To that end, TEAMtalk revealed how Mount’s refusal to sign a new deal and his actions in trying to force through a move has surprised Chelsea.

Indeed, that delay appears to have opened the transfer door to Manchester United. To that end, Erik ten Hag is making Mount a top summer target.

Todd Boehly, however, is determined to ensure Mount does not leave on the cheap. And while his current arrangement now has just 12 months left to run, the Chelsea co-owner has let it be known the 36-times capped England star has a €80m (£72m) fee on his head.

Understandably, given his contract situation, United seemingly believe Mount should leave for less. And amid a belief the player is keen to make the move, the Red Devils submitted a first offer for his services on Wednesday.

Man Utd to launch new and improved Mason Mount bid

As a result, it probably came as little surprise to United that Chelsea batted away their first proposal.

Per reports, their opening gambit for Mount was said to total just £40m – some £32m short of Chelsea’s valuation.

Now acccording to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs, United are preparing a second and improved offer to Chelsea for Mount.

And while the amount United are preparing to raise their bid to has not been disclosed, it’s reported United do have a top limit on what they feel Mount is worth.

To that end, Jacobs suggests United will not go any higher than £60m for the player. And while that still remains short of Chelsea’s price, United believe Chelsea will accept the offer.

However, John Murtough, who is leading the negotiations, is ready to stand his ground. And reports claim United’s director of football prepared to walk away from the deal if their offer is not accepted.

And while there remains confidence from the Manchester United end that Chelsea will be forced to accept, they are reportedly considering other options if the move fails to progress further.

Either way, it seems Mount’s time at Stamford Bridge will come to an end this summer. The player has 33 goals in 195 games for the Blues, a more than respectable record from midfield. However, he was endured a difficult 2022/23 campaign, whereby he only managed to net three times in 34 appearances.

Mason Mount John Murtough