are interested in signing both and this summer but won’t break their wage structure to do so.
The international midfielders are both expected to leave West Ham and Chelsea this summer and boast a string of high-profile suitors.
Rice is understood to be keen on a move to Premier League leaders Arsenal, encouraged by the progress they have made under Mikel Arteta and confident they are ready to challenge for major honours.
who may be forced into selling their academy graduate in an effort to meet FFP regulations and offset the lack of Champions League revenue next season.
Despite having just over a year left on his current deal, Mount is still valued at £70million a fee that is unlikely to dissuade Liverpool from firming up their interest once the transfer window opens.
According to the , Newcastle are keen on both players but are unwilling to rock the boat at St James’ Park and offer much in excess of the £120,000-a-week salary that their current highest paid player, Bruno Guimaraes, earns.
Despite the almost unlimited wealth of their Saudi owners, Newcastle will be forced to spend in a measured way again this summer, particularly where wages are concerned, in order to comply with FFP regulations.
Qualification for the Champions League will likely mean the purse strings are loosened to an extent, but the club are likely to recruit in the measured way that has characterised their strategy in the market since the takeover 18 months ago.
As well as Rice and Mount, Manchester United’s Scott McTominay is said to be on Eddie Howe’s radar, as is Leicester’s James Maddison who could be available at a discount price should the Foxes fail to avoid relegation.
Former Chelsea midfielder, Emmanuel Petit, meanwhile, remains hopeful that Mount’s situation at Chelsea can be resolved, but admits it is strange terms have not yet been agreed.
He told : ‘Yes definitely. He’s one of their few homegrown players from the Chelsea academy. Mason Mount is not stupid. He’s been tremendous for Chelsea the last couple of years.
‘He has the DNA of the club and the fans love him. Can you imagine what the mindset of the fans could be at the end of the season if they see Mason Mount leave the club?
‘He has seen the club splash millions on new players and wages and he’s probably thinking ‘ok you can spend millions on new players who have no link with Chelsea, whilst I’ve been here for years and years shown loyalty to the club and done everything I can on the pitch. I deserve a proper contract now.’ I can understand his frustration.’
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