Jose Mourinho has already given Manchester United five reasons to submit a fourth and final bid for Mason Mount. The 24-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford recently, but a switch appears to have fallen through.
Chelsea were once close to reaching an agreement with Mount over a new deal, football.london understands, but, following his return from the World Cup in December, an offer was no longer on the table. Then, in the new year, the Blues reopened talks with the England international, though he didn't want to sign a one-year extension.
It's believed that Mount has not yet received an improved offer since, meaning that he'll become a free agent in just over 12 months. football.london understands that Liverpool and Arsenal are both seriously interested in signing the Cobham graduate, but it was the Red Devils who were leading the charge for his signature.
On Friday evening, Chelsea rejected a third bid from United worth £50million, including £5million worth of add-ons. The west Londoners replied by demanding £58million up front, in addition to a further £7million as add-ons.
According to The Times, Erik ten Hag's side have been left unhappy with the Blues and there is a belief at Old Trafford that they were being unfairly overcharged. As a result, United have reportedly ended their pursuit of Mount and they've already begun focusing on other midfield targets.
However, while the Red Devils may be keen to take their business elsewhere, Mourinho has explained why the Chelsea ace is regarded as one of Europe's top players. Speaking to The Times in 2021, the Roma boss said: "I believe he is an attack-minded player, a creative player, but he has the tactical discipline.
"Mount is a team player. We see him now with [Thomas] Tuchel coming from the sides, when with Frank [Lampard] he was more of a number ten.
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"When they play with a back five, he can be the third attacking player or the third midfield player. I think he is very, very intelligent on the pitch.
"From what I see, he has a very good understanding of the game. He has goals, which is an important thing for a midfield player. I like him very much."
Considering that The Times have name-checked Moises Caicedo, who is expected at least £80million, as a potential Mount alternative for United, the Blues' counter offer is far more affordable. Erik ten Hag is also said to be in the market for a new striker and goalkeeper too, so the Red Devils may be left with no choice but to heed Mourinho's advice.
