Mount shirt number
Manchester United have set their sights on Mason Mount and could tempt the midfielder with an offer of the iconic No.7 shirt - although he may not actually want it.
Mount's exit from Chelsea after 18 years is looking increasingly likely, with the 24-year-old entering the final year of his contract and showing little sign of agreeing an extension. United were one of several Premier League sides to register their interest early on, and Erik ten Hag's side have intensified their pursuit in recent weeks.
Earlier this week, the Reds submitted a second bid of around £50million after seeing their opening offer - thought to be around £40million - swatted away. Talks are continuing and they are favourites to win the race.
In a bid to entice Mount north to M16, United could offer him a chance to don the famous No.7 shirt, worn most recently by Cristiano Ronaldo and historically by David Beckham, Eric Cantona and George Best. However Mount has never worn that number before and could see his current choice open up.
Youngsters hoping to impress
United are now less than three weeks away from getting their pre-season preparations up and running against Leeds United in Oslo.
The Reds, who are yet to make a signing in this summer's transfer window, will travel to Norway to lock horns with their historic rivals on Wednesday, July 12. It will mark the first of seven friendlies that United are scheduled to play ahead of the big kick-off on Monday, August 14.
As ever, pre-season will represent an opportunity for every member of the squad to try and make a name for themselves ahead of the start of the forthcoming Premier League campaign. As reported by the Manchester Evening News on Thursday, United's players are set to report back for pre-season in two separate groups.
United's non-international contingent are due back at the start of July while the international members of the squad are set to report back from July 10. It means members of each group will be at different stages with their fitness levels, meaning it could pave the way for some of the club's younger players to get opportunities to prove their worth.
