In the coming summer, Liverpool will continue to pursue Mason Mount, who is presently “more likely” to sign with Liverpool than to extend his contract at Chelsea.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports that the Reds are moving forward with their plans for the summer because “most transfer groundwork [is] done.”
In preparation for his new position as sporting director, Jorg Schmadtke will get a handover from Julian Ward, but Jurgen Klopp has already given Fenway Sports Group a list of his top priorities.
According to Chris Bascombe of the Telegraph, one of those appears to be a deal for Mount, as Liverpool want to sign three midfielders this summer.
Journalists in both London and Merseyside confirmed the initial reports of interest in Mount from back in November.
The 24-year-old has drawn less attention than another target, Brighton’s Alexis MacAllister, because it’s unclear whether he would choose to remain at Chelsea.
Mount’s current contract expires in 2024, and it has been suggested that he will be sold this summer if he does not extend; nevertheless, the bids from Stamford Bridge have fallen short of his expectations thus far.
According to Bobby Vincent, a Chelsea writer for football.london, Mount is “more likely” to join Liverpool as of the time of writing.
He’s more likely to join Liverpool right now, in my opinion,” Vincent said.
“We know that Mount genuinely loves [incoming Chelsea manager Mauricio] Pochettino, and he will surely speak with him to try to persuade him, but that isn’t the issue for Mount.
“He feels the offers that have come his way so far haven’t demonstrated that he is valued by the club as much as he would like.”
There haven’t been any changes to the circumstances that could help Liverpool at this point in the negotiations between Mount and Chelsea.
However, it seems likely that, were Mount to seek an exit, a deal could be struck for considerably less.
“There could be a situation where Chelsea are forced to sell him for less than £70 million,” Vincent explained.
“He has just a year left on his contract, and if he starts to push for a move then Chelsea would be ridiculous not to sell for less.
“The club’s owners are keen to avoid past mistakes with players like Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, who both moved to Spain on free transfers less than 12 months ago.”
Mount made 35 appearances for Chelsea this season, scoring three goals and assisting six, but only played the full 90 minutes on 10 occasions.
His season ended in April as he underwent surgery on his pubic bone, but he is expected to be fit for pre-season.
