’s conduct during the protracted negotiations over the transfer of has rendered ‘unhappy’.
The 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.
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 , United have been left frustrated by Chelsea’s behaviour during talks, and especially irked by the way they have L***ed 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.
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.
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