Liverpool 'pull out' of move for £80m midfielder; Man Utd now in pole position to seal imminent transfer (original) (raw)

Liverpool are reportedly ‘no longer considering’ a move for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, leaving Manchester United in pole position to sign him.

The Merseyside club were favourites to sign the Blues star for some time before their bitter rivals leapfrogged them in the race.

As it stands, Mount looks set to leave Chelsea after rejecting a new contract offer. Indeed, with his current deal set to expire in 2024, this summer represents their last chance to get a decent return for his services.

Now, according to the Daily Mail, Liverpool have pulled out of negotiations to sign the England international after being deterred by Chelsea’s £80m asking price.

As a result, Jurgen Klopp has his eye on alternative targets. For instance, Borussia Monchengladbach centre-mid Manu Kone is ‘close’ to joining the Reds.

Also, as per a report from CaughtOffside, Liverpool have opened a ‘fresh round of talks’ with Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram.

Clearly, Klopp has made bringing in a new midfielder his top priority, despite already sealing a deal for Alexis Mac Allister.

But, what seems certain is that Mount will not be heading to Anfield this summer.

Mount ‘close’ to signing for Man Utd

As previously reported by TEAMtalk, Man Utd are ‘close’ to signing Mount this summer. Like Klopp, Erik ten Hag is keen to bolster his midfield ahead of next season.

Scott McTominay has been heavily linked with a move to Newcastle or Everton recently. Also, Fred will most likely leave Old Trafford this summer.

Therefore, Ten Hag will have to bring in at least one new midfielder. Mount is the manager’s top target, with Man Utd confident they can sign him.

In 2022/23, the 24-year-old made 35 appearances across all competitions. In the process, he scored three goals and made six assists.

A versatile player, Mount has the ability to play as a central or attacking midfielder, or as a winger occasionally. So, he could provide cover in several positions for Man Utd next season.

With personal terms not expected to be a problem, the only thing left for Man Utd and Chelsea to sort out is the transfer fee.

As mentioned, the Blues reportedly want around £80m for Mount. However, Man Utd believe they can get a deal done for £50m.

With Liverpool out of the race, the Red Devils have a free run at signing the Chelsea star.

So, it will be very interesting to see how this develops, with an official Man Utd approach expected in the very near future.