Manchester United, Chelsea 'close to reaching £60m Mason Mount agreement'

The 24-year-old is widely expected to leave Stamford Bridge this summer as talks to extend his contract, which expires in June 2024, have failed to reach a positive conclusion.

Both Liverpool and Arsenal were credited with an interest in Mount earlier this year, but Man United have stepped up their pursuit in recent weeks and appear to be in pole position to win the race for his signature.

Last week, the Red Devils came forward with an opening offer of £40m to sign Mount, which was swiftly rejected by Chelsea who were thought to be demanding a figure between £65m and £70m.

Man United have since returned with an improved offer of £50m including add-ons, but that bid was once again knocked back by the West Londoners.

However, according to The Mirror, Mount is now closing in on a permanent move to Old Trafford as Man United have found a middle ground with Chelsea over a £60m deal following a third round of negotiations.

The report adds that Mount has made his preference clear on joining the Red Devils and the Blues will not stand in the way of the midfielder's next move.

Erik ten Hag is said to be keen for Mount to finalise his transfer to Man United before the club's pre-season tour begins in Oslo in early July.

Mount is understood to have already agreed personal terms with Man United, who have informed the Englishman that he is a priority signing for Ten Hag this summer.

Mount joined Chelsea's academy at the age of six and has since represented the senior side 195 times across all competitions, scoring 33 goals and 37 assists.

The England international, who is regarded as a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge, is yet to win a domestic honour, but he has lifted the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup during his time with the Blues.

Mount is one of several Chelsea players expected to depart the club this summer along with Mateo Kovacic, Kai Havertz, Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and Hakim Ziyech as the West Londoners look to balance their books and reduce the numbers in Mauricio Pochettino's bloated first-team squad.

The potential arrival of Mount at Man United could cast doubts over the futures of Fred, Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek who have all been linked with a summer exit from Old Trafford.