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Chelsea’s conduct during the protracted negotiations over the transfer of Mason Mount has rendered Manchester United ‘unhappy’.
The England international has made clear his desire to leave his boyhood club and has no intention, at this stage, of signing an extension to a contract that will expire this time next year.
Faced with losing one of their prize assets for nothing, Chelsea have reluctantly taken the decision to sell Mount to one of their main rivals, but continue to drive a hard bargain.
United were hopeful that their third offer, submitted yesterday, would be accepted but Chelsea insist that a bid of £50million plus £5m in add-ons still falls short of their valuation.
Chelsea have indicated that a bid of £58m plus £7m in add-ons would be enough for them to give Mount the green light to move to Old Trafford, and have even suggested a face-to-face meeting with their United counterparts in an effort to end the deadlock.
United football director John Murtough has been left in an unenviable position given United have made clear they do not what to overpay for a player who would be available on a free next summer, but risks upsetting Erik ten Hag who is adamant Mount represents his No.1 midfield target.
According the MEN, United have been left frustrated by Chelsea’s behaviour during talks, and especially irked by the way they have leaked information of failed bids to the media.
Despite United’s determination to get the deal done, Murtough’s hands are said to be ‘tied’ given the tight budget under which the club is operating this summer and simply caving to Chelsea’s demands isn’t an option.
Should United decline Chelsea’s invitation for talks, the Red Devils will pursue alternative midfield targets with Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, ironically also wanted by Chelsea, firmly on their radar.
United also maintain an interest in West Ham captain Declan Rice but they are understood to be outsiders in a race headed by Arsenal and Manchester City.
Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay have been suggested as a potential makeweights in a deal for Rice, but the all-action midfielder is understood to have his heart set on a move to the Gunners.
MORE : Erik ten Hag considers shock decision over Manchester United’s iconic No.7 shirt
MORE : Chelsea respond to Manchester United’s third and final offer for Mason Mount
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