Graham Potter has hailed Mason Mount as a "top professional" as he deals with injury and speculation over his Chelsea future.
The midfielder withdrew from the recent England squad as he dealt with a bone injury but is pushing for minutes this weekend as the Blues take on Aston Villa. Mount has only scored three times this term with his influence on games not what it was in a struggling side.
There has been huge investment and, as a result, change at Stamford Bridge which has cast doubt over Mount's future. The player is in the midst of negotiating a new deal, which could yet end with him leaving west London with Liverpool keen on his services. Despite all that Potter has been impressed with how the 24-year-old has dealt with such challenges.
He said: "I think it's been tough for him because he's had some niggling injury and speculation off the pitch. He's a professional and a top professional and he's a fantastic lad.
"How he's acted with me, with the team, how he's acted around us has been absolutely top. I think that's credit to him because sometimes in your career things are difficult, not quite optimal how you'd like them to be and you have to act well and conduct yourself in a good way and that's exactly what he's done."
Mount and Chelsea have hit an obstacle in talks regarding demands over wage and contract length. There are also a number of midfielders on the books for the Blues, including the British-record signing Enzo Fernandez.
Chelsea's transfer activity, along with last season's Government sanctions, has led to a notable financial loss, which was announced by the club this week. Players could be offloaded in the summer to ensure they remain compliant with various financial regulations. Mount would command a hefty fee, which the Blues could yet cash in on.
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Earlier in March the Daily Mail reported that Mount had changed his agent, which was seen as a clear indication of a possible transfer move. Potter admits he has stayed out of negotiations but accepts the Englishman wants to maximise his earnings on his next contract.
He said recently: "It's between the club and Mason. I've spoken to him several times about life in general. My feelings for Mason are clear and I think he's a fantastic person. But sometimes these things happen. They're complicated and it's best I speak little about it.
"I'm not naive and I know it's an important contract for him. These things have to be right for him and his family and it's important he makes the right choice for him."
