Sources: Liverpool board approve Mason Mount contract as box-office deal edges closer

The Liverpool board have prepared and approved a contract for Chelsea star Mason Mount in a major development to their pursuit, sources have told Football Insider.

Chelsea are doing all they can to hold onto their man and will also offer him another new deal after previous talks collapsed.

Mount, 24, has been courted by Liverpool for some time and manager Jurgen Klopp is keen to add him to the ranks for next season.

Liverpool are in pole position to sign Mount although they face strong competition from Premier League rivals for his signature.

One of the many attractions of the versatile star is his homegrown status, a key requirement for clubs as they build their squads in the main transfer window.

Mount has been at Stamford Bridge since his youth and has grown up supporting and playing for his boyhood club.

However he has been eager to be paid in line with some of the league’s biggest stars and Chelsea have been unable to meet his needs.

Todd Bohley wants to bring the wage bill down and the likes of Mount have had to make do with contracts that were agreed years ago.

This has put pressure on the club as some of its stars know they could see a major increase in their wages should they move club.

Liverpool are one of the clubs keen to take advantage of that situation by moving for Mount and offering him a fresh opportunity.

Mount ultimately would like to stay at his boyhood club but the opportunity to play for Jurgen Klopp is something that is of major interest to the England international.

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