Chelsea lower Mason Mount asking price after talks with Manchester United target

United had a second bid for Mount rejected on Monday but they’re expected to return with an improved offer.

The bid, which was around £45m with £5m of add-ons, was some way short of Chelsea’s initial £75m asking price for Mount.

However, Fabrizio Romano claims that Mount has told Chelsea following United’s second bid that he has absolutely no intention of extending his deal at the club.

Mount’s current contract expires in 2024 and he could sign a pre-contract agreement with non-English clubs from January 1st.

Chelsea are desperately trying to balance the books after spending £600m across the last two windows and Mount is one of their most prized assets.

As such, the club will now accept a fee closer to £60m but that would be the upper limit of where United would be prepared to go.

Erik ten Hag has other targets in midfield and given United’s budget of around £120m, the club cannot afford to spend over half of that on a midfielder.

United are keen on signing a forward, a goalkeeper and a defender.

However, the Dutchman must boost his budget through player sales, with the likes of Dean Henderson, Scott McTominay, Fred, Alex Telles, Eric Bailly and Anthony Martial up for sale.

MORE : Chelsea’s deal for Villarreal star Nico Jackson hit by complication

For more stories like this, check our sport page.