Chelsea reject ’embarrassing’ bid for 24-year-old as Man United ready second offer

Chelsea have rejected an opening bid of £40 million for Mason Mount from Manchester United, according to reports.

The 24-year-old has recently agreed personal terms to move to Old Trafford this summer and following the conclusion of the 2022/23 season, which saw Man United suffer defeat to local rivals Man City in the FA Cup final, they have stepped up their interest in the Chelsea midfielder.

Mount is out of contract at Stamford Bridge next summer and Chelsea have been unable to agree an extension, thus far, for the England international, opening the door for a departure this summer.

Liverpool and Arsenal have also shown interest but Erik ten Hag’s side have become the front-runners, however they have had their first bid rejected for Mount.

As reported by Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph, Man United have seen a £40 million bid rejected for Mount.

Chelsea value Mount at around £70 million, while it was previously claimed that Ten Hag’s side believed the midfielder was around around £50-55 million.

United have reported confidence that Mount won’t sign a contract extension in west London.

Talks have broken down with Mount and his representatives after three rejected offers, including a one-year extension in February.

Matt Law states that Mount’s reluctance to sign a fresh deal is not financial after Chelsea failed to qualify for the Champions League having finished 12th in the Premier League in 2022-23.

Mount is wanted at Stamford Bridge by incoming head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who takes over from July, though it remains unclear if his arrival and stance will make any difference over whether or not the Chelsea academy graduate will stay.

Absolute Chelsea view

Despite Mount only having one year left on his deal and reportedly valuing the midfielder at in excess of £50 million and testing the waters at an opening bid, it can be considered embarrassing to believe Chelsea would entertain any offer like that.

After being rejected out-of-hand, it is suggested by Nizaar Kinsella of the Evening Standard that the offer will be improved.