Sources: Newcastle expect Liverpool to beat them to Mason Mount signing
Newcastle United are resigned to the fact that Liverpool are likely to beat them to the signing of Mason Mount this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The Magpies are huge admirers of the 24-year-old playmaker but consider a deal for the "superstar" this summer incredibly difficult because of other interest in him from around the Premier League.
Football Insider sources revealed on Friday (21 April) that Newcastle have shortlisted three Premier League stars as perfect Eddie Howe signings this summer - James Ward-Prowse, Harvey Barnes and Mount.
Since arriving at St James' Park, Howe has followed a transfer strategy of signing many English players with plenty of Premier League experience.
Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, Matt Targett, Nick Pope and Anthony Gordon all followed the trend, and Mount also ticks the boxes as an ideal Howe signing.
Newcastle's top priority was a new striker until the recent superb form of Alexander Isak, and the Magpies recruitment team has since turned their attention towards adding creativity to the side and Mount is top of the list.
Unfortunately for the Tyneside club, Liverpool have already been in contact with Chelsea and the player's representatives and are further along the process than Newcastle.
The North East club don't want to completely give up their pursuit of Mount in case Liverpool's talks collapse, but they are shrinking in confidence about their chances of landing him.
Mount's contract at Stamford Bridge is set to expire in 2024 and talks have stalled between him and the Blues hierarchy.
He has seen his game time considerably reduced this season, with just one appearance in Chelsea's last seven league fixtures.