Chelsea star Mason Mount is ready to knuckle down and play for Mauricio Pochettino should a move to Manchester United fail to take place, according to reports. The England international is eager to leave Stamford Bridge for Old Trafford. And there remains hope a deal can be struck, even if the Blues’ price tag represents a problem right now.
It’s an open secret that United want Mount this summer.
The England international has been unable to agree a new contract with Chelsea, meaning the Blues face the prospect of losing their academy graduate for free next summer.
United have had three bids for Mount turned down so far, with Erik ten Hag determined to land a new midfielder to compete with Christian Eriksen for a starting berth.
According to the Daily Mail, however, the 24-year-old won’t go on strike or refuse to play if he doesn’t get his dream move.
Instead, the playmaker is prepared to knuckle down and work with Pochettino – who was appointed as Graham Potter’s permanent replacement at the end of last month.
And with the 32-year-old appearing poised to pursue a new challenge elsewhere, amid interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, it’ll be interesting to see what happens.
Andre Onana is in United’s sights as a potential replacement.
The Inter Milan star only moved to the San Siro from Ajax 12 months ago on a free transfer.
He previously worked under Ten Hag in Amsterdam, however, with the pair winning three league titles together.
And a reunion in Manchester seems to be on the cards, though Inter want as much as £50million to let the goalkeeper go.
Many players could leave United this summer as Ten Hag looks to raise extra funds for a spending spree.
Harry Maguire, who cost £80m back in 2019, is one player who has been deemed surplus to requirements.
Anthony Martial is another, having blown hot and cold ever since his move from Monaco eight years ago.
And Donny van de Beek, Alex Telles, Eric Bailly, Scott McTominay, Fred, Jadon Sancho, Dean Henderson, Anthony Elanga, Hannibal Mejbri and Brandon Williams may depart as well.
Regarding Mount, Gabriel Agbonlahor recently suggested United should abandon their pursuit if they’re forced to pay over the odds.
“I’d honestly say he’s worth £40million maximum,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider.
“If Chelsea ask for much more than that, I think Man United should put the phone down – because they aren’t being serious.
“Mount has been out of form, his stats aren’t great.
“Chelsea don’t want to give him a new contract, so surely it suits them to sell him?
“Man United should pull out if they can’t get something sorted, and that leaves Chelsea stuck with a player who is going to be available for free.
“I think Chelsea will have to stop being stubborn later in this window.
“£40m is about right, but even that is a lot of money for someone who has been out of form.”
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