Manchester United are at risk of losing out on Mason Mount to one of Europe’s biggest teams amid their troublesome negotiations with Chelsea, according to a report.
Man Utd set their sights on the midfielder after learning that he does not want to extend his Chelsea contract, with his current deal expiring in June 2024. The Red Devils have already agreed personal terms with Mount, meaning they just need to organise a deal with Chelsea before his switch to Old Trafford can go through.
However, that is proving to be difficult. Chelsea immediately set their asking price at £70-75million, despite Mount’s contract situation.
Man Utd do not want to pay anywhere near that amount and resultantly opened the bidding at £40m. That was soon rejected, as was a second proposal worth £50m.
As per David Ornstein of The Athletic, Man Utd have had a third bid worth £55m pushed back by Chelsea.
The Blues sent them a counter offer worth £65m, although Man Utd are unlikely to match this as they have decided they will not go above the £60m mark.
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Chelsea have offered to meet Man Utd chiefs in person to discuss the move and try to reach an agreement. Chelsea know Mount wants to make the switch and do not want to stand in his way, while Man Utd are hopeful of signing the Englishman soon so he can have a full pre-season.
However, Man Utd now have a big new threat in their pursuit for Mount. According to The Guardian, Bayern are ‘stepping up their interest’ in him.
Man Utd target could head to Germany
The German champions have seen how Man Utd are struggling to sign him and believe they can ruin Erik ten Hag’s plans by getting to Mount first.
The main reason Bayern are interested in Mount is manager Thomas Tuchel. He is described as being a ‘huge admirer’ of the 24-year-old following the time they spent working together at Stamford Bridge.
Bayern will soon begin preliminary talks with Mount’s camp to see if he is open to joining them. While they are not yet sure whether he is happy to leave England, they are confident about luring him to Germany with the offer of regular trophies and Champions League football.
Bayern may have the advantage over Man Utd when it comes to bidding, too. It is likely Man Utd are being told to put up more money for the playmaker due to them being an English rival of Chelsea’s. Clearly, Bayern would not have this problem.
Man Utd supporters will likely be watching the situation closely to see if Bayern now launch an opening offer.
Meanwhile, Sunday’s Transfer Gossip includes Man Utd identifying a new priority target despite one of their other pursuits going well.
