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Man Utd have second Mason Mount bid 'countered by Chelsea' with £15m request
Manchester United and Chelsea are holding negotiations over a possible move for Mason Mount.
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Manchester United have reportedly seen their second bid for Mason Mount immediately 'countered' by Chelsea with £15million difference between the two clubs. The England international looks increasingly likely to leave Stamford Bridge this summer as Chelsea look to raise funds through player sales.
Eduoard Mendy, Hakim Ziyech and Kalidou Koulibaly are all set to leave for Saudi Arabia, along with N'Golo Kante who has left as a free agent. And Mount could follow them out the door to a direct Premier League rival after a disappointing campaign last year.
He has just one year remaining on his contract and Chelsea have been unwilling to meet Mount's demands for new terms. Liverpool were originally seen as potential suitors for the 24-year-old, but it's since been suggested that United are now the frontrunners.
Erik ten Hag's side saw an opening bid worth £40million immediately turned down by Chelsea earlier this month. And The Athletic now report a second improved bid worth up to £50m has also been rejected.
However, the report indnicates that an agreement isn't too far away with Chelsea seemingly dropping their asking price. It's claimed that Chelsea 'countered' United's second offer to request a £60m fee up front as well as £5m in add-ons.
With just £15m difference between the two clubs it suggests a compromise could be reached in the near future. It's said that Chelsea are 'keen to comply' with Mount's wishes while United have set themselves a limit as to how high they're willing to go.
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If Mount does get his move away from Chelsea then Mauricio Pochettino will want a replacement signed. A host of midfielders have been linked with moves to Stamford Bridge this summer, including Moises Caicedo.
The Blues made an attempt to sign Caicedo from Brighton in January, but were rebuffed by the south coast side. Brighton appear more willing to do business this summer, but are said to be demanding a fee in the region of £80m.
A cheaper alternative has been identified with Celta Vigo star Gabri Veiga reportedyl having a £34.2m release clause in his contract.