Mason Mount of Chelsea is a top objective for Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag heading into the summer transfer window, says renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Next month, the England player will begin the final year of his Chelsea contract, and it is predicted that he will land a new job. Speaking to Givemesport, Romano revealed that the 24-year-old is a top priority for ten Hag this summer and that Man United is his favourite club.
Romano stated that United is ready to pursue Mount with restraint and will attempt to negotiate a deal that is less expensive than his £60 million asking price. Ten Hag's team has a limited budget and won't spend the most of it on adding any new players.
He said: “This is a high priority for Erik ten Hag, but Manchester United are adamant that they need to be disciplined with Mount, they need to try and get him for under £60m and that, as I’ve said before, is because Manchester United’s transfer policy is restricted. And if they are to bring in a couple of early players, then they’re going to have to try and distribute their budget to allow that to happen rather than using it all up on one player.”
Mount has become a key player for Chelsea since making his debut in 2019. Although he has contributed meaningful goals and assists, he and the team were unable to come to terms on a better contract, therefore his future may lie elsewhere.
He presently has United in his sights, but a transfer might take some time because the team is operating on a tight budget. A buyout could alter the situation, but for the time being, United must proceed cautiously when making new acquisitions.
Mount has frequently played as Chelsea's number 10 but could also fill in as United's central midfielder. Last season, Christian Eriksen was the fixture at the spot, but his lack of speed made him susceptible at times.
The Chelsea graduate has played in the no. 8 position on a good number of occasions and could be a solid addition to United. Ten Hag hopes to sign Mount before the preseason since he has admired him since his Ajax days.
Since there is still uncertainty around the club's unclear ownership situation, Manchester United may be compelled to consider player sales to finance incomings this summer.
In order to raise money, a number of first-team regulars could be sacrificed, with Jadon Sancho ranking among those with the most value as Erik ten Hag keeps looking for methods to bolster his club.
Since his high-profile transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, Sancho has had a challenging two years, and it appears that both of his favoured positions are now filled by other players.
Antony begins on the other wing while Marcus Rashford, the club's Player of the Year after scoring 30 goals this season, is a constant on the left side.
Halfway through this season, Ten Hag decided Sancho wasn't well enough to play, and he was banished for the better part of two months.
Sancho came back from that break with a spring in his step, but he still finds himself in jeopardy as the summer transfer window approaches.
According to recent reports, London-born talent could be on the market soon thanks to Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
According to the Daily Star, Sancho will be transferred from United to Spurs in a record-breaking £50 million move as the team looks to rebuild under new boss Ange Postecoglou.
According to the source, Tottenham is one of the teams looking at Sancho this summer, along with James Maddison of Leicester.
Even if it's said that Tottenham is prepared to make a bid of £50 million, it's said that United will demand up to £60 million before entering into talks.
In addition to Tottenham, Borussia Dortmund has also indicated interest in re-loaning the 23-year-old player for a full season.