Liverpool fear losing out on Chelsea man after Bellingham anguish as Arsenal, Man Utd eye move

Jason Soutar
Man Utd, Arsenal-linked Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount

Mason Mount’s potential move to Liverpool is reportedly in jeopardy.

The England midfielder’s Chelsea contract is set to expire in 2024 and a summer departure is looking extremely likely.

The Blues will not reignite discussions over a new deal until the end of the season and the expectation is that he will agree new terms or leave.

Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Newcastle are all believed to be keeping tabs on Mount’s situation.

A recent report from The Athletic’s David Ornstein stated that Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly had a direct conversation with the 24-year-old last Friday, which has given the club a glimmer of hope that he will extend his stay at Stamford Bridge.

However, it is widely expected that Mount will be sold this summer after rejecting several contract offers.

Liverpool are in dire need of midfield reinforcements and will be very busy in the summer transfer window.

Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister is one of many being linked with a move to Anfield, though there is a host of interest in the Argentine World Cup winner.

With the likes of Conor Gallagher, Declan Rice, Ryan Gravenberch and Mount being linked with the Reds, it would not be a surprise to see Jurgen Klopp sign as many as three new midfielders.

Borussia Dortmund and England sensation Jude Bellingham was initially their number-one target, however, they abandoned their pursuit of the 19-year-old over fears he will be too expensive.

Mount would be a perfect signing for Klopp, but it is believed the club’s pursuit could be met with a pretty big hurdle.

According to Football Insider, the England international’s move to Anfield is in danger of ‘collapsing’.

This is down to the fact Liverpool are extremely unlikely to qualify for the Champions League.

Mount’s ‘priority’ is to ‘compete for trophies and play regularly’ and qualification for Europe’s premier competition ‘could also be a factor’ in where he finds himself playing his football in 2023-24.

Liverpool seem likely to qualify for the Europa League, while Chelsea will miss out on European football altogether, making his exit all the more certain.

It is noted that Arsenal, Newcastle and Manchester United are also keen. All three are expected to qualify for the Champions League.

Despite his poor campaign at Stamford Bridge, Mount is clearly still a very desirable player, especially if his contract situation means he will be available for a good price.

Chelsea may be forced to cash in on their youth graduate following two transfer windows full of big-money signings.

Mount has only scored three and produced six assists in 35 matches across all competitions this season.

His below-par form is understandable considering how bad the Blues have been.

Wednesday’s home loss to London rivals Brentford made it five losses in as many games under Frank Lampard.

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