Transfer Watch: Mason Mount

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Manchester United are set to table their third bid for Chelsea star Mason Mount as their pursuit for their priority midfield target continues.

Chelsea have rejected the Red Devils’ second bid for Mount which was reportedly worth 50 million pounds. The deal was worth 45 million up front with five million in performance-based add-ons.

Mount agreed personal terms with United and reiterated his intentions to decline a new contract extension. He will now be sold or stay out his contract and leave for free in 12 months.

Chelsea were originally holding out for 70 million pounds but have had to reassess their valuation after the latest developments surrounding Mount’s contract. It is believed that a figure of between 60-65 million pounds will be enough to persuade the Blues to let go of their best academy graduate in years.

If Mason Mount was to join Erik Ten-Hag’s side, where would he fit in?

Mount will most likely take up the role of the right-sided central midfielder, playing ahead of Casemiro, a position Cristian Eriksen and Fred have both been deployed in this past season.

He will be considered a direct upgrade on Eriksen, who performed respectably, but had his shortcomings emphasised as the season progressed particularly relating to his athleticism and defensive ability.

Mount may not be a defensive-minded midfielder, but has shown competence when tasked with defensive duties for Chelsea and England, and is especially valuable in a team that requires a high press from midfield. He will do perfectly alongside Casemiro.

Eriksen’s creative ability is incredible, but Mount will provide an alternative attacking threat. Mount will bring more goals from midfield as well as an engine that can run for 90 minutes.

The 24-year-old’s introduction to United’s right-hand side will also improve the players around him. Bruno Fernandes will have less pressure to create and score, which he has done since his arrival at Old Trafford.

He will also be a much better fit in linking up with Anthony, with his mobility and creativity allowing Anthony more options in possession as well as creating more space with runs into the box or down the byline. This will also take pressure off Casemiro to provide higher up the pitch as was required of him many times during the season.

Looking at his statistics, last season was abysmal considering the standards he set at Chelsea, providing just nine goal contributions in 35 appearances in all competitions. This can be attributed to Chelsea’s poor performances as well as an individual slump.

This is not the Mason Mount United expect to acquire and very likely won’t be. Mount has been voted Chelsea’s player of the season for two of the past three seasons ,including the season they won the UEFA Champions League under Thomas Tuchel.

Last season, Mount provided 21 goal contributions in 32 appearances in the Premier League alone, showcasing his offensive potential more accurately.

In summary, Mason Mount will be an upgrade to Manchester United’s midfield, providing more athleticism and goals from the middle of the park. The only scenario where Mason Mount does not play for Erik Ten-Hag next season is if Manchester United do not meet Chelsea’s asking price.

Photo: Twitter @StatmanDave

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Dylan Johnson