Frank Lampard believes Chelsea hold Mason Mount in high regard, but has admitted the Blues face a tough situation with the England midfielder.
Mount signed a long-term deal with the Blues in 2019, shortly before making his senior debut during Lampard's first spell as manager. That deal expires in 2024, though, and the 24-year-old is believed to want wage parity with some of Chelsea's other regulars amid interest from Manchester United.
Now back in temporary charge, Lampard was asked about the homegrown talent ahead of Chelsea's Premier League game with Man Utd. The caretaker boss, who was taking charge of his penultimate game, gave his thoughts on his compatriot's future in West London.
"I think that's a difficult situation," Lampard told Sky Sports. The caretaker boss spoke about the academy talents he has worked with at Chelsea - those who have stayed and those who have moved on - before attempting to shed light on Mount's specific situation.
"I think with Mason particularly as an individual, I don't know what the solution's going to be because as a club and Mason issue," he continued. "I don't know exactly where Mason is at personally - he's got a year left on his contract.
"I know he's held in high regard at the club, and I know as well the club are trying to do what they can to make him stay, but I think also with Mason, I'd never want to stand here and talk in the modern day about what a player should do. Because they'll see it all through their own eyes - about what's been going on, how they feel about the pitch, what the future is for them.
"In the old days it would be 'why are you leaving the club, you shouldn't'. In the modern day, players move on, it's a shame we've got into this situation where it looks like it's happening maybe now."
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Mount briefly returned from a pelvis injury in April, playing against Brighton in the league and Real Madrid in the Champions League. However, a recurrence of the issue has seen him sidelined for the last month.
According to The Athletic, Man Utd is the preferred destination for the Portsmouth-born player if he does opt to leave Stamford Bridge. However, Arsenal and Liverpool have also shown an interest.
Former Chelsea midfielder Oscar has suggested Mount is not happy in West London. However, the Brazilian added that there may be cause for him to stay and look to rediscover his top form.
"Of course, he wants to play and he wants to play more," Oscar told talkSPORT. "I think if he’s not happy at Chelsea, sometimes it’s better to find another team. If he’s still happy and if he wants to try and be a great player at Chelsea, he needs to stay."
