Chelsea are growing in confidence that reported Liverpool target Mason Mount will sign a new contract and stay at Stamford Bridge.
Mount is reportedly one of Liverpool’s top targets as they look to overhaul their midfield this summer. Having pulled out of the race to sign Jude Bellingham earlier this week, the Chelsea man is potentially seen as the Reds’ new priority in the market.
But now, according to 90min, they may be forced to admit premature defeat. That’s because Chelsea have been given a ‘renewed sense of optimism’ over the 24-year-old signing an extension on his contract.
It’s claimed that the Blues expect their new managerial appointment this summer to be an exciting one. After the sacking of Graham Potter, Mount reportedly shares their ‘ambition and positivity’ about the future head coach.
As a result, Liverpool are now said to be facing a ‘nervous wait’ over their interest in the England international. However, despite optimism, an agreement between Chelsea and Mount is claimed to remain ‘some way away.’
Liverpool plates continue to spin
After missing out on Jude Bellingham, Liverpool also losing ground in the the chase for Mason Mount would be disappointing.
Of course, there isn’t all that much they can really do. If the England man is keen to stay on at Chelsea, then there’s nothing the Reds can try to prevent that from happening. Even meeting the Blues reported £70m asking price would be unlikely to prise him away.
Nevertheless, Liverpool clearly think they’ve got a good chance of signing Mount. To install him as such a prominent target only to come away empty-handed wouldn’t be a good look. No matter the circumstances.
Still, it’s only April. Liverpool shouldn’t panic. They reportedly have a long list of potential options for their midfield revamp and may need to spin a few plates this summer.
As ever, it’s in the Reds’ interests to get their business done nice and early. If the likes of Mount are dragging their heels or flirting with extensions, then Liverpool should move on.
They’ve done that with Bellingham albeit for different reasons. If they get the idea that they’re going to come up short on Mount too, then there’s plenty of time to readjust their focus to a different player.