Chelsea boss Graham Potter has made it clear that he wants star midfielder Mason Mount to stay at the club as his contract negotiations drag on.
Mount has been one of the Blues' best players since breaking into the senior team under Frank Lampard. He has been a key man for both of Lampard's successors, Thomas Tuchel and Potter, in the years since, winning the Champions League in 2021.
But a problem is rapidly approaching for the Chelsea hierarchy, with Mount's contract set to expire next summer. Negotiations over a new deal have been ongoing for some time, with Todd Boehly's consortium making it a key priority after their takeover of the club.
Even so, nearly eight months later and Mount still has not signed a new contract. His importance to the team means that his current wage does not match his status within the squad, with a pay rise certainly due.
But there have been disagreements over the length of the contract on offer, with negotiations dragging on. Potter has now broken his silence on the situation and urged the two sides to find a resolution.
"I think it's always complicated, there is always negotiation. It's best I leave it between Mason and the club, that is the best way for that to be dealt with as far as I'm concerned," the Blues boss said ahead of his side's clash with Southampton.
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"He's been fantastic to work with, an important player for us, and of course, I hope it gets resolved quickly. In terms of how the group is working, it's positive. I thought the Dortmund performance was another step forward.
"But we have another challenge at the weekend because we're at home against a Premier League side so we have to make sure we're ready for that. Satisfied but always room to improve."
Mount will have no shortage of suitors if he does leave Stamford Bridge, with ESPN reporting Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United are 'monitoring' his situation.
All three will be in the market for a new midfielder in the summer and Mount's stalled talks have put the trio on red alert. United would be in pole position, with Liverpool and City both prioritising Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham.
Mount is not thought to be pushing for an exit from his boyhood club, but is willing to play for a Premier League rival. That will be welcome news for United, who will be watching his talks with Chelsea with interest.
