Romano says ‘chances of Mount leaving Chelsea increasing’ and can’t rule out injury rumours
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims Chelsea are still a long way from agreeing a new deal with Mason Mount as his chances of leaving the Blues increase.
The last time Mount played for Chelsea was in a 2-0 loss to Tottenham with the England international missing their last three matches in all competitions against Leeds United, Borussia Dortmund and Leicester City.
Graham Potter revealed an abdominal injury has been keeping the 24-year-old out of the team and revealed before the Leicester match that he might need to miss some more football.
Potter told reporters last week: “He probably needs a little bit more time. He is happy around the place and wants to help the team, that is normal with Mason. He wants the team to win, be injury free, and play football.”
But there has been speculation on social media that he is being kept out over his contract situation with Mount’s deal running out in the summer of 2024.
Writing on his Caught Offside column, Romano said: “I’m aware of some rumours that Mason Mount is not injured and is out of the Chelsea squad for other reasons. I have no confirmation on the speculation, but for sure the contract situation isn’t helping Mount right now.
“It’s not an easy negotiation for the new contract. I’m aware of Liverpool interest, but it’s too early to say where Mason will end up.”
There have been rumours that Manchester United, Liverpool and other clubs are interested in signing Mount if Chelsea put him up for sale in the summer.
A report recently insisted he could be available for an ‘affordable’ £50m in the summer with Romano confirming that Chelsea plan to make him available for transfer if he doesn’t agree terms on a new contract.
Romano wrote on Twitter: “There’s still big gap in the negotiations between Chelsea and Mason Mount, as new deal is again far from being agreed. No final decision yet but chances of Mason Mount leaving Chelsea are increasing — Mount will be on the market if new deal is not agreed before the summer.”
Speaking about Mount’s contract, Chelsea boss Potter said on Friday: “It’s between the club and Mason.
“Sometimes these things happen. They’re complicated and it’s best I speak little about it.”
Potter added: “I’ve spoken to him several times about life in general. My feelings for Mason are clear and I think he’s a fantastic person.
“I’m not naive and I know it’s an important contract for him. These things have to be right for him and his family and it’s important he makes the right choice for him.”
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