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Man Utd's Harry Kane problem could block Mason Mount transfer after £40m bid rejected
Manchester United are playing it safe in the transfer window and it might cost them.
Five potential transfer destinations for Harry Kane
Manchester United aren't willing to pay over the odds for players this summer which could prove to be a problem in their pursuit of Mason Mount. The Red Devils recently had a £40million bid for the England international rejected by Chelsea, who are hoping to receive a fee in the region of £70m for the player.
But United will put their foot down when it comes to negotiations and aren't prepared to pay more than £60m for Mount. The club's insistence on keeping a tight hold on their purse strings has led to them withdrawing their interest in Erik ten Hag's top summer target Harry Kane.
Tottenham's valuation of their skipper was described as 'unrealistic' and it is likely United will wait until next year when they can snap him up for free once his Spurs contract expires. The same can be done with Mount who also enters free agency in 2024 provided he doesn't re-sign with Chelsea, which looks unlikely at this stage.
United reached personal terms with Mount in May and are expected to submit a second bid for the player in the coming days but Chelsea will have to be willing to compromise on the price.
With Mount seemingly set on joining United and no other clubs showing concrete interest in him, the Red Devils find themselves in a strong position.
Chelsea are unlikely to get a bidding war going to drive up the asking price and are under pressure to sell otherwise they risk losing him for free. That being said, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Liverpool are all monitoring the situation.
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According to The Sun, if United aren't able to sign Mount during this window then they have identified Leicester City's James Maddison as an alternative.
Like Mount, Maddison’s contract is up in 2024 and the Foxes want at least £50m for him following their relegation to the Championship. Newcastle are reportedly the frontrunners to sign him but United have now joined the race as well.