Chelsea has rejected Manchester United’s opening proposal of £40 million for the transfer of England midfielder Mason Mount, setting up a standoff between the two Premier League clubs over the player.
The 24-year-old, who is one of the Chelsea first team’s lowest-paid players, is out of contract in June 2024, and the Red Devils are reportedly confident that he will not re-sign at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are willing to continue negotiations despite the significant disparity in values between the two rivals.
United are certain that the midfielder wants to depart this summer, and with no new contract on the table, they reportedly believe West Ham will be forced to lower their valuation or risk losing him on a free transfer next summer.
United manager Erik ten Hag is contemplating a number of midfielder options, including Moises Caicedo of Brighton & Hove Albion, and are willing to abandon negotiations for Mount if they do not progress.