Manchester United have reportedly edged nearer to signing Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount.
Since the turn of the year, Mount's contractual situation at Stamford Bridge has been a hot topic for debate, a result of his current terms expiring in 2024.
Reports have frequently suggested that the England international's representatives and Chelsea's owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital have not been close to reaching a compromise.
At a time when it has been widely documented that Chelsea must sell players as soon as possible to comply with FFP, it has been increasingly likely that Mount will eventually depart the Blues.
The most recent development has been claims that Mount's preference is to join Man United if it became clear that he would be leaving Chelsea this summer.
© Reuters
Despite alleged interest from the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, Mount would like to move to Old Trafford to link up with Erik ten Hag's squad.
According to The Telegraph, Mount has now agreed personal terms with United in the event that a transfer becomes a possibility.
The Red Devils, who have qualified for next season's Champions League, will now attempt to agree a fee with Chelsea, something which may take a longer period of time.
Although Chelsea are willing to cash in on one of their greatest-ever academy graduates, they allegedly value the 24-year-old in the region of £85m.
© Reuters
Meanwhile, United are said to be willing to pay somewhere in the region of £50m and £60m, a stance which could lead to a brief impasse between the relevant parties.
However, there remains every confidence that a compromise will eventually be struck, particularly with Chelsea needing to generate as many funds as possible ahead of June 30, when business ends for the current season.
On Wednesday evening, it also emerged that Manchester City are in discussions to sign Mateo Kovacic, another player who has just over 12 months left on his contract.
That follows reports that Joao Felix will not be staying in West London beyond his loan spell from Atletico Madrid, with Chelsea seemingly open to parting ways with as many as 15 players over the coming weeks.
Darren Plant
