By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

29th Apr, 2023 | 9:30am

Sources: Man City and Newcastle United pull out of Mason Mount race

Man City and Newcastle United have ruled themselves out of the race to sign Mason Mount this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The 24-year-old Chelsea star is expected to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season after failing to negotiate a new contract with the Blues.

Both City and Newcastle monitored Mount’s situation and weighed up a move for the England international, but have decided against making a proposal.

Despite reports that City are interested in signing Mount, sources inform Football Insider that the Premier League champions are prioritising strengthening their squad in other areas of the pitch.

As for Newcastle, the Tyneside club are looking to improve their midfield but deem Mount’s asking price too high for a player with only one year remaining on his deal.

Liverpool and Arsenal are now set to battle it out for Mount’s signature, and Jurgen Klopp’s side are confident that they lead the race according to Football Insider sources.

It is understood that Bayern Munich have also shown an interest in Mount, with former Blues boss Thomas Tuchel eager to reunite with the playmaker in Germany.

Mount has endured an underwhelming campaign at Stamford Bridge, scoring three goals and providing six assists despite playing 2,188 minutes across 35 appearances.

But he has an outstanding pedigree and won consecutive Player of the Season awards at Chelsea in 2022 and 2021.

Chelsea are set to miss out on European qualification completely this season with the club slumping to 11th in the standings.

Mount’s season is set to come to an early end after Chelsea stated that he underwent surgery on a persistent abdominal problem this week.

In other news, Man City explore conditions of Kieran Tierney deal