Mason Mount: Chelsea make huge contract decision to put Liverpool, Man Utd & Man City on alert

Chelsea have made the decision to put contract talks with Mason Mount on hold until the summer, according to reports.

The 24-year-old is out of contract next summer and talks have taken place over a contract extension for the academy graduate, but no agreement has yet been reached with Chelsea.

Discussions were resumed post World Cup with Todd Boehly handling the matter as the club looked to offer Mount a new seven-year deal, as well as an incentivised salary.

Mount has been seeking to significantly improve his £80,000-a-week wages at Chelsea, wanting his position in the first-team and the England national team to be reflected.

With no breakthrough, Liverpool have been monitoring his situation and could look to take advantage of the situation by making a move in the summer as they look to bolster their midfielder. Manchester City and Manchester United are also keeping an eye on his future.

With Mount’s contract running down, Chelsea have now made the decision to pause talks over his future and they are not expected to resume until the summer, reports David Ornstein of The Athletic.

Chelsea are wanting to focus on the pitch to finish well in the Premier League and Champions League given they are currently in 10th place and also behind to Borussia Dortmund in their Round of 16 European tie.

Their intention is to either secure Mount to fresh terms or approve a sale should an agreement not be reached. Chelsea have now made the decision to avoid anyone entering their final two years of their contract.

Head coach Graham Potter, who is under increasing pressure following Chelsea’s dismal form, refused to get involved but asked the hierarchy to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.

“It’s always complicated,” said the 47-year-old. “There is always negotiation. It’s best I leave it with Mason and the club. That’s the best way for that to be dealt with.

“He has been fantastic to work with, an important player for us. Of course, I hope it gets resolved quickly.”

Mount will now need to get back to his best level between now and the end of the season to put himself in a strong position to negotiate. His future will now be decided this summer: extend or leave.

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