Man Utd fire ‘warning’ to Chelsea with Mason Mount approach as impact on transfers funds revealed

Manchester United are preparing a third and final bid for Mason Mount, according to reports.

The Red Devils had a second offer rejected for the Chelsea star in midweek which was worth £50m - £45m up front and a potential £5m in add-ons. ManchesterWorld understand there is a feeling that a deal will be reached soon as the clubs come closer to an agreement on price, with United aware of Chelsea’s need to sell players this summer.

Meanwhile, the BBC report that United will return with a bid of around £55m for Mount and have warned Chelsea they will walk away from negotiations if this offer is not accepted. The Blues value Mount at closer to £70m but may have to lower their asking price, while the BBC add that personal terms are ‘not a problem’.

Fabrizio Romano has also claimed that United have ‘100% agreed’ on Mount’s contract, with the club hoping to wrap up a deal soon.

Finances are an issue for the Red Devils in the transfer market due to uncertainty created by the takeover process and from Financial Fair Play limitations after overspending last summer, so a £55m outlay on Mount would be a significant portion of United’s transfer funds. But the Manchester Evening News claim funds will still be available to sign a striker, which remains the priority area to address ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Erik ten Hag wants a top-quality centre-forward to replace the injury-riddled Anthony Martial, as well as two central midfielders. It’s becoming increasingly likely that a goalkeeper will be needed as David de Gea looks set to leave at the end of his contract, with Andre Onana a target for United.

As for Mount, his ability to play as a box-to-box midfielder and in more advanced areas appeals to Ten Hag. The England international has a year remaining on his Chelsea contract and has struggled with injuries in the last months of the season.