Report: Chelsea reject Manchester United's opening £40M bid for Mount

Manchester United could play the waiting game after Chelsea knocked back their opening £40-million offer for Mason Mount, according to The Telegraph's Matt Law.

The Red Devils are confident the English midfielder won't sign a new deal with Chelsea, meaning the Blues will be under pressure to drop their £70-million valuation or risk losing Mount for nothing when his current terms expire at the end of the 2023-24 season.

Mount has already rejected at least two contract offers from Chelsea, Law reports. Financial factors aren't the only drive for a potential move; the club's failure to qualify for the Champions League (or any other European competition) and the fact his negotiations over a new deal have been passed between the club's owners and co-sporting director Paul Winstanley are also encouraging Mount to consider departing this summer.

Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool have also been linked with Mount in recent months.

New Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino was reportedly keen to keep Mount for the upcoming campaign. However, with the Argentine set to oversee a new era at Stamford Bridge, his stance could change if Mount isn't committing to a contract beyond 2024.

In addition to Mount, Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic, and N'Golo Kante may leave in the coming months as the club tries to recoup funds following last season's transfer outlay of nearly £600 million.