Mason Mount to Man Utd at risk of collapse, as Chelsea make counteroffer and hatch plan to bring saga to a close (original) (raw)
Man Utd have been tipped to walk away from their move to sign Mason Mount after their third bid was rejected, while Chelsea have lodged a counteroffer and offered to meet United officials in person, per reports.
Mount, 24, is the player Man Utd have identified as the perfect candidate to add a new dimension to their midfield. The England international has just one year remaining on his current Chelsea contract and according to Fabrizio Romano, has zero intention of signing an extension.
The Times claimed new Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino would love to work with Mount. However, the decision to sell was made by Chelsea officials back in May – before Pochettino was appointed.
Man Utd have emerged as the likeliest contender to sign Mount. Indeed, personal terms are agreed, though as yet their bids have failed to meet Chelsea’s asking price.
United’s third bid worth £50m plus a further £5m in add-ons was lodged on Friday evening. According to both Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein, the offer was rejected.
Chelsea have lowered their initial £70m-£75m asking price down to £65m. However, United’s latest bid totalled just £55m (add-ons included).
The Blues are understood to have launched a counteroffer, with Man Utd told a deal is theirs if they stump up £58m plus £7m in add-ons. However, if the Times are correct, United might soon determine enough is enough.
Indeed, they reported United’s third bid could be their last and the Red Devils are ‘willing to walk away from the negotiations’ if knocked back a third time.
That scenario has now transpired, though just like United, Chelsea don’t appear all that keen for the deal to collapse either.
Romano and Ornstein both stressed that on top of lodging the counteroffer, Chelsea have proposed meeting with United officials in person to help thrash out an agreement.
Man Utd had hoped for a speedy resolution to ensure Mount gets a full pre-season in their colours under his belt.
As such, all eyes will now be on whether United do agree to face-to-face talks. If they do, it stands to reason there may yet be a fourth bid despite the concerns raised by the Times.