Sources: Mason Mount actions leave Chelsea ‘shocked’, but Man Utd transfer far from done with one crucial compromise needed
Transfer insider Graeme Bailey has told TEAMtalk Chelsea have been left ‘shocked’ by the Mason Mount saga, although Manchester United are still some way off signing the England international.
On May 24, it emerged Man Utd were preparing to brush Liverpool and Arsenal aside by entering negotiations to sign Mount from Chelsea. Mount has been on Chelsea’s books for all of his professional career but looks set to leave this summer amid a contract stand-off with the Blues.
Man Utd took a big step towards signing the midfielder on June 1 by agreeing personal terms with him.
However, there is still significant work to be done before the move can reach completion. Chelsea want far more money for Mount than Man Utd are willing to pay, which means a big compromise needs to be reached.
Bailey has explained to TEAMtalk how Chelsea are disappointed by the actions of the player and his camp, while also revealing the exact price the West London club are seeking.
“Mason Mount’s situation has caused real issues at Chelsea,” Bailey said. “They really don’t want him to go, but they are standing firm on their stance that a player will not be able to run out a contract.
“Mount is seemingly on his way out of Chelsea and his representatives including his father Tony have agreed terms in principle with Man Utd.
“Chelsea have been left shocked by the Mount situation and safe to say they have not been too happy with the actions of the player’s representatives led by Tony.
Pochettino arrival fails to work on Mount
“They still had some hope that he would stay with the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino but the damage has been done, Mount’s people seem hurt by previous talks and that is not going away.
“And whilst Chelsea are willing to sell, they are firm in their assertion that they will only part ways at the right price. They are thinking in excess of £75m and that is way more than Man Utd are currently willing to pay, so it’s worth keeping an eye on that aspect.”
