Interim Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has delivered a blunt response on Mason Mount's future at Stamford Bridge amid reported interest from Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester United.
Having shelved their initial plans to target Borussia Dortmund sensation Jude Bellingham when the market reopens, due to the immense financial costs involved, Jurgen Klopp and his recruitment team will instead spread their budget on several midfield recruits. As things stand, Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton is among their prime targets.
However, countless names, including Mount, continue to do the rounds as potential alternatives for the Reds. The 24-year-old is at a contract standstill right now with only 13 months left to run on his agreement.
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Reports from The Daily Mail indicate United have already launched a £55m bid for the England international, while the same article states Chelsea actually want £85m for his services.
And Lampard was pressed on Mount before Chelsea meet United - incidentally - in the Premier League on Thursday night (8pm).
The ex-Everton boss said: "Mason, Reece [James] and Chilly [Ben Chilwell] won't make the game. We're as we were."
Responding to a question about the proposed Liverpool target, Lampard added: "A lost cause? I don't know.
"It's not my answer to make. It's between Mason and the club."
Mount progressed through the Chelsea ranks and has played 195 matches for the club in all competitions. He spent time on loan at Vitesse and Derby County earlier in his career and has gone to win 36 caps for England since making his senior debut in 2019.
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