Paul Merson has already explained how Man Utd have repeated Real Madrid trick to exploit Chelsea

Paul Merson has already outlined how Manchester United are repeating a Real Madrid trick in exploiting a Chelsea mistake.

United are closing in on the signing of Chelsea star Mount after weeks of negotiations, leading to a £60million agreement between the two clubs. Mount has just one year remaining on his current contract, but Chelsea still held out for a big fee, albeit they were not able to convince the Red Devils to pay their initial valuation of £75million.

Reports suggest Mount is in the process of undergoing his medical at Old Trafford ahead of completing his move.

And as the transfer nears its conclusion, pundit Merson has already issued his verdict on the deal, slamming Chelsea for allowing Mount to leave.

“I cannot believe Chelsea are letting Mason Mount go. We saw it last season with Antonio Rudiger, who was outstanding and one of the best defenders at the club,” Merson recently told Sky Sports.

“He asked for more money and they didn’t give him it and then they buy Kalidou Koulibaly for £33m on a four-year contract which works out as more money than what they’d give Rudiger. Now they’re doing it with Mount. He’s one of their own, he hasn’t had a very good season but they’re judging it just on one season. The year before he was Chelsea’s best player.

“He was one of the first names on the teamsheet for England. Now they’re letting him go. It’s mind-blowing. They’ll bring someone in who will probably take another year to get used to the league because they will have played abroad. You’re also letting a very good footballer go to Manchester United or Liverpool, who Chelsea are fighting with to get into the top four next season. You couldn’t write it. How can you let him go to a club that could majorly haunt you? United won’t believe their luck if they get him.”