Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount continues to be linked with a move to Liverpool.
Reports first emerged in January from The Guardian, which claimed that the Reds are putting plans in place to make a move for Mount in the event he doesn’t sign a new contract with the London club. Chelsea are thought to be keen to keep hold of the player beyond his current deal, which runs until 2024, but it’s claimed that Mount wants a pay rise on his apparent £75,000 per-week salary.
Now a fresh report from The Telegraph has claimed that talks between Mount and Chelsea over a new deal have stalled. It has been stated that if no agreement can be reached, Chelsea will have to make a decision on the player's future in the summer.
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As speculation around Mount’s future continues to build, the ECHO spoke to Chelsea writer for football.london, Bobby Vincent, last month to get the lowdown on the player...
What do you make of reports of Liverpool potentially making a move for Mason Mount?
It actually doesn’t surprise me very much. It makes sense that a top club like Liverpool are keeping an eye on a contract situation that looks no closer to being settled at the time of writing. He’s a player that, on paper, does suit the way Jurgen Klopp likes his midfielders/attackers to play. So, it does make sense.
What’s the latest on Mount’s situation at Chelsea and a potential new contract?
There is nothing new to report on Mount and his contract situation, really. His representatives are trying to make him one of the highest earners at the club but so far, the two parties seem to be some way off in their valuations. As is the case with any contract saga, other clubs tend to sniff around – in this case, it’s Liverpool. If it gets to the summer and this is still not resolved, then I do genuinely think there’s a real chance he could leave Stamford Bridge.
The report says that Mount feels ‘underappreciated’ at Chelsea. What reason(s) for this could there be?
I do not think for one second he’s even been underappreciated by any head coach he’s worked under. In fact, it’s the complete opposite; every manager seems to adore Mount, that’s why he’s a constant presence under any coach he’s played under at Chelsea. However, he does get a lot of stick from the supporters, which does seem a tad unfair at times. He has not had the best of seasons, far from it in fact, but some of the criticism he has received has been unwarranted.
Where do Chelsea stand on Mount’s future, especially given the new signings that have arrived in recent months?
Chelsea want to keep hold of Mount. The club are big on academy graduates representing them in the elite competitions. Mount and his teammate Reece James have essentially been the poster boys for that image in the last few seasons. So there’s no doubt Chelsea want to keep Mount, but there’s a feeling that the player himself will become more and more frustrated as this saga drags on.
What reasons do you think Liverpool would have for showing an interest in Mount, if the rumours are true?
I think there are many reasons Liverpool, or any club, should be interested. He’s still young – at 24, his best years are still ahead of him. He’s an established England International. As mentioned above, he’s loved by every manager he works with, so there’s no doubt in my mind that Klopp would love him, too. He’s been Chelsea’s most consistent performer over recent seasons and his return – whether that’s goals or assists – has been impressive. He’s versatile, he can play on the wing, or as a number eight in midfield. There are plenty of reasons.
Lastly, do you think Mount will still be a Chelsea player next season and, if not, where do you think he’ll go?
If you put me on the spot right now, then I’d say yes, he will still be a Chelsea player next season. However, I cannot be too sure on that. There’s every chance, if the contract is not sorted out, he will leave the club. I have to say if I had to pick one destination, I’d say Liverpool considering how much interest they have shown in Mount.
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