Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Manchester United will continue to push for Mason Mount but they will not overpay for the Chelsea star.
The Red Devils have seen three bids swiftly rejected for Mount in the past fortnight, with the latest offer accumulating to a total of £55 million.
Chelsea then returned with a counter-proposal of £58m plus £7m in add-ons, as they look to acquire closer to their £70m valuation of the Cobham graduate.
However, given that the 24-year-old has just one year remaining on his contract, United are reluctant to pay above the odds. They are well aware that Mount is unwilling to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge and so could leave as a free agent next summer.
United have consequently lined up alternatives in case a deal for Mount falls through. Brighton and Hove Albion’s Moises Caicedo is one name among the list of options.
Romano on Mount
Romano shared his take on the matter in his exclusive Daily Briefing with CaughtOffside, saying: “Of course, Man United have alternatives in case this move doesn’t work out, but I’m still told the focus now is on the Mason Mount deal.
“They want to get it done at their conditions, the situation will be discussed again this week; in or out, for sure. Man United don’t want any extra tax just because they spent big money on players recently; a fair price or nothing.
“But it’s also worth saying that Man United feel Mount will not sign a new deal at Chelsea and only wants to join them.
“At the moment, there is no signal from Liverpool in terms of joining the race, as they’re busy with other midfielders, and also Mount is focused on United. He’s really focused on Manchester United as the next step for his career; and one of the reasons why Man Utd insist a lot is that they feel Mount only wants them.”