Newcastle are reportedly one of the clubs pondering a move for Chelsea and England international, Mason Mount.
According to Mail Sport, the Magpies are considering Mount as an option with which to bolster their midfield ranks this summer. Currently, the midfielder’s existing deal with Chelsea will expire in June 2024. The Blues may, therefore, decide to cash in on the 24-year-old before losing him on a free transfer.
At the time of writing, Mount is apparently not close to agreeing on a new contract with his boyhood club. Fabrizio Romano (via his YouTube) reported that talks are on “standby”, with Chelsea unlikely to re-open negotiations before the summer.
The likes of Newcastle may try to pounce on these faltering talks to make a move for Mason Mount as a result. However, they are not alone in this race.
Liverpool to rival Magpies for Mount?
Another Premier League rival may try to tempt Mount away from Stamford Bridge. This is a fellow top-six side in Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp needs to revamp his team’s midfield, and Mason Mount is a brilliant option that could be available.
Per talkSPORT, the Reds feel “increasingly confident” that they can bring the England international to Anfield. Additionally, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano says that Liverpool’s interest in the player is “concrete”.
Newcastle may have a bidding war on their hands if they want to secure a marquee signing.
Even though he is not having his best year, Mount is still widely considered a top-class Premier League player.
Mason Mount: his season so far amid Newcastle interest
Sadly, in a year of contract negotiation, Chelsea’s midfielder has suffered a downturn in form. During the 2022/23 season, Mount has failed to hit the same heights that earned him back-to-back Chelsea player of the year awards.
Mount has just three goals and two assists from 23 Premier League appearances so far this season. In comparison to his fantastic 2021/22 campaign, this is quite a significant drop-off.
Although it must be said that Mount has been more impactful in Europe. The attacking midfielder has produced four assists in the Blues’ Champions League run.
But he is not the only one suffering from a dip in production. As a whole, Chelsea have been very inconsistent throughout 2022/23. The club’s tenth place in the Premier League table reflects their hit-and-miss results.
In addition, Mount has had to share playing time with the waves of new arrivals at Chelsea. For instance, Mykhailo Mudryk and Joao Felix have come in to compete for attacking roles. Similarly, Enzo Fernandez’s record-breaking transfer provides further competition for midfield spots.
So, maybe Mason Mount will look for a fresh challenge, such as the exciting project at Newcastle. Receiving a fee for the Cobham alumnus would also benefit Chelsea for Financial Fair Play rules.
After all, any transfer for an academy graduate counts as direct club profit – balancing the books.
Featured image credit: Getty