Second Man Utd offer ‘rejected’ for Mason Mount as Chelsea set price for midfielder

Manchester United have reportedly seen a second bid rejected for Mason Mount.

The Chelsea star has been identified as one of the Red Devils’ chief targets in the transfer window, and ManchesterWorld understands there is a belief on both sides that a deal will be completed for the midfielder in the coming weeks.

But, according to The Athletic, United suffered a blow on Wednesday as Chelsea rebuffed a bid for Mount worth £50m, which consisted of a £45m initial fee in addition to £5m in add-ons. The same outlet claim the previous offer had been for £40m, while Chelsea are demanding £60m up front and then a further £5m to be added based on performance-related clauses.

The London club are in desperate need of funds given their outlandish spending in January and the Blues must trim their squad and boost the club’s transfer kitty before they can make further additions.

N’Golo Kante has already left on a free to Saudi Arabia, with Edourad Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and Hakim Ziyech expected to join the Frenchman, while Kai Havertz appears on the verge of completing a move to Arsenal. Mount may also not be the only Chelsea midfielder playing in Manchester next season, and Mateo Kovacic’s arrival at Manchester City should be announced in the coming days.

As for United, they are targeting two midfielders in the transfer window and are keen on Mount’s ability to operate as a box-to-box player and offer creativity in the attacking areas. The 24-year-old, who came through the youth ranks at Chelsea, has just 12 months remaining on his current deal at Stamford Bridge and it seems likely he has played his final game for the club.

Meanwhile, United would like to add another midfielder to their ranks, as well as Mount and have been linked with a move for Adrien Rabiot on a free from Juventus, a deal that would suit the Red Devils given their lack of financial resources. Erik ten Hag is also willing to allow Scott McTominay, Fred and Donny van de Beek to depart Old Trafford this summer, although it’s not believed all three will leave.