Report: Man United set to sign Chelsea's Mount in deal worth up to £60M
That was quick.
Mere hours after reports that Chelsea and Manchester United were prepared to revive talks over Mason Mount's potential transfer to Old Trafford, the clubs reached an agreement on an initial £55-million deal, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein.
United could pay Chelsea an additional £5 million in "difficult add-ons," Ornstein adds.
Mount, 24, has received permission to undergo a medical with United. He agreed to personal terms with the Red Devils "weeks ago," transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reports.
Chelsea reportedly set an asking price of £65 million for Mount - £58 million up front with a further £7 million in bonuses - but United's reluctance to meet that valuation after they submitted an offer worth £55 million put the clubs' negotiations at a standstill. However, since Mount would've been available on a free transfer when his Chelsea contract expired next summer, the west London outfit decided to reopen talks and ultimately cash in on its academy product.
Mount reportedly rejected at least two contract offers from Chelsea before Manchester United lodged their opening £40-million bid in mid-June. His reluctance to commit to the Blues wasn't merely down to financial reasons; he was also apparently unimpressed with the way negotiations over a new deal were passed between the club's owners and co-sporting director Paul Winstanley, and he wants to play in the Champions League next season.
Manchester United can offer Champions League football and, presumably, regular game time. Mount started just 20 of Chelsea's Premier League matches while they limped toward last term's disappointing 12th-placed finish. The English international can provide support and competition for Christian Eriksen, who appeared fatigued toward the end of the season, and captain Bruno Fernandes in United's midfield.
Mount has scored 27 goals and provided 22 assists in 129 Premier League appearances. He's won the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup with Chelsea.