Paul Merson has warned Todd Boehly that he could hinder Chelsea's chances of winning the Premier League if Mason Mount - and Jude Bellingham - join Liverpool. The former faces an increasingly uncertain future at Stamford Bridge having recently entered the final 18 months of his contract.
With Mount potentially available for a cut-price fee, a number of top clubs are said to be monitoring his situation. football.london understands that Liverpool are long-term admirers of the midfielder, while both Manchester City and Manchester United are said to be keeping tabs on the saga.
Meanwhile, Bellingham, has been subject to long-term interest from the Blues, football.london understands, as he continues to impress for Borussia Dortmund. The Blues watched the 19-year-old during his time as an academy player at Birmingham City but, after failing to act on their interest, the German outfit swooped in and signed the him instead.
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In a column for Sky Sports, Merson warned Chelsea that it would be 'bad business' to not pay Mount 'what he's asking' for. The former Arsenal midfielder claimed that if the Blues were to let the Cobham graduate leave and also pass on the opportunity to sign Bellingham, they would dent their Premier League title hopes.
"Mason Mount was by far Chelsea's best player last season," Merson wrote. "He was outstanding. It's different when you come through the ranks at a football club because you cost nothing.
"When you get bought for a lot of money you're viewed as more of an asset. Whoever gets Mason Mount has got the biggest result ever. The kid can play. It's bad business by Chelsea - they should give him what he's asking for.
"You don't offload your best players. There are so many players that need to get shipped out of this Chelsea squad before Mount. When you hear whispers of the teams that want to buy him that tells you everything you need to know.
"If Liverpool go and get Mount and then Jude Bellingham, who could also go to Liverpool, you've got a title-contending team. Why would you want to chance that? Why would you make them stronger?
"I'm a huge fan of Mount, he's a top-class player. He's not playing at the moment because of his contract situation. With the size of the squad, they aren't going to select a player who won't sign a new contract."
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