Todd Boehly has been informed that Chelsea must give in to Mason Mount's contract demands in order to sign Declan Rice. The 23-year-old midfielder, who sees his contract at Stamford Bridge expire in 18 months, is said to be one of the lowest-paid players at the club.
Mount has been offered new terms to extend his stay in west London, football.london understands. However, the length of the proposed contract is proving to do an issue, with the Cobham graduate hesitant to commit to a six or seven-year deal at this stage of his career.
In September, Reece James penned a new contract which keeps him at Chelsea until 2028. But, despite paving the way for Mount to follow suit, the Metro have reported that the midfielder is holding out for £300,000-a-week - which is £15.6million-a-year - and talks between the two parties have now been shelved until the New Year.
READ MORE: Chelsea have a secret weapon in their bid to beat Liverpool and Real Madrid to Jude Bellingham
Talks with Mount over a new deal come amid a time when his close friend Declan Rice has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea. The West Ham captain topped the Blues' transfer shortlist last year but a move fell through because the Hammers' £100million valuation was considered too 'steep'.
With the west Londoners long admirers of Rice, Glen Johnson has reminded Boehly that Mount is a key chess piece in signing the England star. Speaking of Mount's contract situation, the former Chelsea defender said: "Obviously he’s a good player and Chelsea won’t want to lose him but you can’t be held hostage to anyone.
"I can’t imagine he’s the sort of lad that would down tools if he doesn’t get £300,000-a-week. He doesn’t seem like that sort of fella.
"I don’t believe that’s true, so I think they’ll come to an arrangement eventually. Chelsea may have to keep Mount tactically if they do want to sign Declan Rice as well."
In February, football.london understood that as far as West Ham were concerned, nothing had changed and Rice was not for sale at any price. It was believed that the club had no interest in letting their key man leave the club at any cost.
Rice sees his current deal at the London Stadium expire in the summer of 2024. But, West Ham are said to have the option to extend that by a further 12 months if they wish.
According to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs, Rice remains a 'key priority' for Chelsea ahead of the January transfer window. A deal is reportedly expected to cost between £70million and £85million.
READ NEXT:
Chelsea's Joao Felix transfer stance revealed following Armando Broja injury news
Ziyech, Hutchinson - Six Chelsea stars to be impacted by Armando Broja's season-ending injury
Reece James sends Graham Potter message after Aston Villa as Chelsea transfer priority emerges
Chelsea prepare Real Madrid raid for bargain free transfer as Todd Boehly eyes Thiago Silva heir
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
