Manchester United are preparing a formal offer for Mason Mount that will be made to Chelsea after the conclusion of the season.
According to The Times, United have opened talks with Chelsea over the transfer of the England international, who has just one year left on his current deal.
The London outfit are keen for Mount to stay, but talks over a new contract have stalled in recent months.
Mount has already agreed personal terms with Man United and a move to Old Trafford looks imminent.
Chelsea want at least £60 million to sanction his departure.
Mount could be Man Utd’s first summer signing
Reinforcing midfield is one of the primary targets for United this summer.
Mount is the leading name in the shortlist of midfielders and may become a United player soon.
The 24-year-old has bagged 33 goals and 37 assists for Chelsea from 195 appearances across all competitions.
He is primarily an attacking midfielder and will provide competition to Bruno Fernandes.
Erik ten Hag will ideally see Mount occupy the number eight role as he previously did for Chelsea.
He would provide more athleticism in midfield than Christian Eriksen.
Mount would be a welcome addition to the squad, but only if United can complete a deal at a lower transfer fee.
Chelsea have their backs against the wall due to Mount’s rejection of contract extension offers.
Spending £60m on a player who could walk out as a free agent next summer does not make much sense.
Most of United’s transfer budget is expected to be spent on signing a world-class striker, which remains Ten Hag’s priority this summer.
