Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount would prefer a transfer move to Manchester United over Arsenal and Liverpool should he leave the club this summer.
Mount’s contract in London expires at the end of next campaign and while Mauricio Pochettino is eager to keep him at the club, there has been no progress in extending his deal.
Mikel Arteta is eager to sign the England midfielder, viewing him as an option to slot in on the left side of his midfield, while Liverpool were believed to be leading the race to sign the player.
Interest from the Red Devils has also emerged however with The Athletic claiming Mount is ‘leaning towards’ a move to Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag’s side are preparing an opening bid of £55million for the England international.
The Blues value the player at a huge £85million, despite his dwindling contract, according to reports.
The report adds discussions between United & Chelsea are expected to begin in due course, with Mount’s other suitors aware of his preference.
United’s main priority this summer is to bring in a new striker with Ten Hag reported to be ‘obsessed’ with signing Tottenham’s Harry Kane.
There also remains a lack of clarity over Man United’s ownership with a preferred bidder set to be named this week.
Chelsea will play United for their penultimate match of the season on Thursday although Mount will not be involved as he continues his recovery from surgery.
Asked whether keeping the player at the club in the long-term is now a lost cause, Chelsea interim manager Frank Lampard told a press conference on Wednesday: ‘I don’t know, that’s not my answer to make.
‘That’s between Mason and the club.’
Mount has played 195 matches for the club since his first-team debut in 2017, scoring 33 goals.
