Manchester United’s initial £40 million bid for Mason Mount has been rejected by Chelsea. Mount is worth more than £40 million, according to Chelsea. United, however, do not believe Chelsea’s valuation of £70 million is acceptable, given that the England international has only one year left on his contract.
The Chelsea midfielder, whose contract expires in June 2024, is one of several players being considered by Manchester United as they look to improve their midfield depth.
The Red Devils are likely to submit a second bid for the attacking midfielder, but they will be careful not to exceed their summer transfer budget. Mount has been identified by United boss Erik ten Hag as a player who can boost his attacking options.
Mount has three goals and two assists this season and has helped Chelsea win the Champions League and Club World Cup since graduating from the Chelsea academy.
If the deal does not go through, United has other options, including Moises Caicedo of Brighton & Hove Albion, who has been a long-term target for the club.
United’s primary goal is to bring in at least one striker, but it appears increasingly unlikely that they will pursue Harry Kane because Tottenham does not want to sell Kane, particularly to a Premier League rival.
Declan Rice, the West Ham captain who is expected to leave the club this summer, is also a fan of the Red Devils. However, how much they are able to spend may be determined by how much money is gained through exits and the outcome of the ongoing acquisition process.
