Mason Mount was laughing and tried to change the subject when asked if he is on the verge of signing for Manchester United this summer.
The England star looks increasingly likely to leave after talks over an extension hit an impasse, with United starting negotiations with Chelsea after agreeing personal terms with the player.
Although Chelsea would like to tie Mount down to a new long-term deal, they have accepted that they must sell now rather than risk losing him for free.
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The Red Devils have now emerged as the clear frontrunners to sign the England international, though Arsenal and Liverpool are also reported to be keen.
With the campaign over, Mount has spent the weekend in Barcelona to watch the Spanish Grand Prix – with other high-profile footballers also in attendance, and he was caught on the grid walk by Sky Sports’ Martin Brundle.
He had managed to avoid interviews before then, unlike Reece James and Ben Chilwell, but he was tracked down in Barcelona.
F1 commentator Brundle spoke to Mount by Chilwell and then cheekily claimed the left-back had said his team-mate was going to United.
Mount laughed at the comment and turned away, before saying: ‘No, I’m here to just enjoy this race today. Amazing day. Can’t wait to watch it.’
Chelsea are said to be demanding £75million for Mount even though he just has one year left on his contract.
United are believed to be offering less than that but a compromise is likely to be found, with recent reports claiming Harry Maguire could be offered to Chelsea as a makeweight.
