Mason Mount will likely leave Chelsea on a free transfer next summer if talks with Manchester United collapse.
The 24-year-old has one year left on his contract and remains unwilling to sign a new one, having turned down multiple offers. United have had an initial £40m bid rejected but will return with an improved offer as they attempt to bring him to Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag has made Mount his primary midfield target but considers Chelsea’s £70m valuation inflated.
United do not want talks to turn into a summer-long saga, having already walked away from the signing of Harry Kane from Tottenham for similar reasons.
United will likely return for Mount if available on a free transfer next summer but will face much more competition for his signature.
Liverpool and Arsenal have also been linked with a move for Mount, who struggled with injury for much of last season.
