Price, Preference & More: The details behind Man United’s pursuit of Mason Mount

Manchester United are pursuing a deal for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount this summer to bolster their midfield options.

Mount, 24, won back-to-back Player of the Year awards for The Blues before this term, where his – and the team’s – form has suffered. His current contract at Stamford Bridge runs out in June 2024.

United are in need of several signings to elevate themselves under Erik ten Hag. There are strong reports that they would like to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur; and it looks like they’re eager to bolster their engine room with another London-based signing.

Various reports on Wednesday detailed different aspects of United’s interest in Mount as he looks set to leave his boyhood club in the coming months.

What is Mason Mount’s price tag?

There have been several different reports that have mentioned the price tag for the England international. Despite having just over a year on his current deal, Mount is being valued between £60-85 million when taking into account the different reports from The Daily Mail, The Athletic and The Guardian.

United instead will attempt to begin negotiations at £55 million, according to the Daily Mail, yet may be willing to increase that valuation due to Erik ten Hag’s ‘determination’ to sign the player. The aforementioned report from The Guardian added that The Red Devils believe they have a strong chance of signing Mount.

What is Mason Mount’s preference?

There are several clubs that are after the midfielder with 129 Premier League appearances. United, Liverpool and Arsenal all have known interest, whilst remaining at Chelsea has always been an option as well.

However, the ever-reliable David Ornstein has revealed that Mount’s preference lies at Old Trafford and that he’s leaning towards a move to Manchester. It was added that talks between the clubs are expected in due course and that the other clubs interested in the player are aware of his preference.

Whilst the option of staying at Chelsea cannot be dismissed, The Guardian added that relations between the player and club have become strained, leading to him being prepared to leave despite incoming boss Mauricio Pochettino wanting to keep him at Stamford Bridge.

What other details are there in Man United’s pursuit of Mason Mount?

Erik ten Hag appears to be pushing this deal forward, showing that the midfielder is a player that the Dutchman admires. Reports from talkSPORT add that the United boss is encouraging the club hierarchy to get ahead of Arsenal and Liverpool by making the first formal bid for Mount.

The Daily Mail also mentioned that it is a deal that Ten Hag wants to be completed quickly, whilst Jacob Bernstein of The Guardian added further context behind the 53-year-old’s admiration for Mount – with the manager wanting more athleticism in midfield and being a fan of Mount’s versatility and work rate.

Meanwhile, David Ornstein provided further details on the crux of the potential deal. He mentioned that the current hurdles include the need for the two clubs to agree on a fee, as well as United’s priority being the signing of a striker. The lack of clarity over the ownership at Old Trafford was also described as a difficulty in the deal.