Manchester United reach breakthrough in Mason Mount

Manchester United have reached a breakthrough in talks with Chelsea and are close to agreeing a £60million for Mason Mount.

The England international is in the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge with Erik ten Hag making him a top transfer target.

United saw an opening bid of £40m rejected last week with an improved offer of £45m plus £5m in add-ons also turned away on Wednesday.

Chelsea have placed a £70m valuation on Mount despite there being just one year left on his contract but according to The Mirror, United have now found ‘middle ground’ with the Blues with the move now close to being completed.

The report claims United and Chelsea are ready to meet in the middle and agree to a £60m deal to bring the 24-year-old to Old Trafford.

Mount has made it clear to Chelsea he wants to leave and is eager to work under ten Hag, with the Dutchman previously attempting to sign him during his time in Netherlands.

Mount originally caught ten Hag’s eye during his impressive spell on loan with Vitesse Arnhem during the 2017-18 campaign and attempted to sign him on loan for Ajax the following summer.

Mount eventually joined Derby County to play under Frank Lampard before breaking into the Chelsea side the following campaign.

Chelsea’s mission to trim their bloated squad has taken major strides forward this week with a number of players set to leave Stamford Bridge.

Manchester City are set to sign Mateo Kovacic in a £30m deal while Kai Havertz has agreed terms with Arsenal ahead of his £65m switch. The Germany international is expected to undergo a medical with the Gunners before the end of the week.

Chelsea’s position will be further strengthened with three players now edging towards lucrative moves to Saudi Arabia.

Hakim Ziyech, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy are all thought to be closing to completing moves to Saudi Pro League sides.