Sources: Mason Mount could make surprise Chelsea U-turn
Confidence is growing within Chelsea that Mason Mount will snub interest from Liverpool and sign a new long-term contract, sources have told Football Insider.
The Blues have been locked in negotiations with the England international over a new deal but both parties have so far failed to reach an agreement.
However, the imminent appointment of Mauricio Pochettino has given hope to those inside Stamford Bridge that Mount will stay put at Chelsea.
It is understood that Chelsea have also promised Mount more first-team action and a key role in the side as part of his contract negotiations.
Liverpool and Arsenal are both preparing to submit bids for the 24-year-old this summer, while Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich are also pushing to join the race.
Football Insider sources revealed on Sunday (30 April) that Thomas Tuchel is urging Bayern to enter a bidding war so that he can be reunited with Mount.
Liverpool remain the favourites to sign Mount if he does depart Chelsea this summer, with the Reds board giving the green light for a bid to be submitted.
This site’s sources understand that Man City and Newcastle United have both pulled out of the race to sign Mount.
The major sticking point in Mount’s contract talks were his wage demands, with the playmaker wanting to be paid the same as the club’s top earners. However, Chelsea are trying to implement a stricter wage structure.
Chelsea started negotiations with a contract offer worth £100,000 per week, but negotiations have seen a number of additional clauses added to the deal including goal bonuses and appearance fees.
The latest version of the deal has brought Mount’s wages much closer to the likes of Reece James, who is one of the club’s top earners
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