Man Utd submit £50m bid for 24-year-old as Chelsea make counter offer – ‘slightly more optimism’ over transfer

Chelsea have responded to Manchester United’s improved bid of £50 million for midfielder Mason Mount.

Man United had an initial £40 million bid rejected out of hand by Chelsea earlier this month, but Erik ten Hag’s side have increased their offer as they look to wrap up a deal for the England international.

As reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic, a bid worth up to £50 million has been lodged. The offer comprises of an initial £45 million plus £5 million in add-ons.

However, Chelsea appear to have rejected United’s second bid for Mount after requesting a £60 million fee plus £5 million in add-ons.

It’s suggested that ‘Chelsea are keen to comply with the England international’s wishes and Manchester United will not keep improving their bid’.

Mount is out of contract next summer and Chelsea have been unable to reach an agreement with the 24-year-old over an extension. Three offers since last summer have been rejected, with the latest coming in February – a lucrative one-year extension to buy Chelsea time in talks over a longer term contract.

The Chelsea midfielder’s preference has been to move to Old Trafford should he depart amid interest from Arsenal and Liverpool.

Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph adds there is ‘slightly more optimism’ this time that a compromise might be found between the clubs for Mount.

On Mount’s future, Frank Lampard, who took charge of Chelsea on an interim basis until the end of the 2022/23 campaign, admitted last month:  “I don’t think surprise in football is the word for these things as a lot of things can happen and I wasn’t involved in any of this. So you know that’s not the word I would use. And it’s a really hard one for me to comment on because I’m not inside Mason’s head or even from the club’s point of view, my role was clearly what it is.

“So as I said, I’m not surprised because this is football. Does everyone know that? I really like Mason Mount as a lad and a football player. Yes, sure. Of course, they do. So I wish him the best personally and obviously sitting here with my Chelsea top on now I’ve seen what Mason’s delivered in this club but then we’ll see.”

Ben Chilwell and Reece James also expressed their desire for Mount to remain at Chelsea at the Spanish Grand Prix earlier in June.

Chilwell said: “It’s none of my business personally, but I’d love him to stay. He’s my best mate, so personally I’d love him to stay but it’s none of my business.”

James added: “Of course, if he goes, everyone will be sad to see him go.”