Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount is linked with a move to Liverpool this summer - and former Reds star Philippe Coutinho could inadvertently inspire his eventual transfer decision.
Mount's current contract at Stamford Bridge expires in the summer of 2024 and despite negotiations between the two sides, the player has yet to commit to any new terms.
The Evening Standard reported in April that Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly had reopened talks with the 24-year-old Blues academy graduate.
One of the issues surrounding the alleged contract impasse has been the club's reluctance to pay Mount the same salary as Reece James, who agreed to a new contract last year. Proposed deadlines and associated contract terms will also cause problems. Advertisement
Should Mount decide to end his 18-year spell with the Blues this summer, Liverpool are among the teams looking to sign him, along with Bayern Munich.
But Football Insider claim Chelsea are increasingly confident of staying, due to the scheduled appointment of former Tottenham and Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino.
However, Mount could essentially copy the decisions of former Pochettino's players in the summer.
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Coutinho could inspire Mount
In 2017, The Sun reported that Coutinho was set to join Southampton before moving to Liverpool from Inter Milan in January 2013.
The same source also said Pochettino was a key player in the deal, who was recently appointed Saints boss, due to the handling of the Brazilian on loan at Espanyol last season. And former Southampton chief executive Nicola Cortese has told talkSPORT's Jim White he has agreed a fee with Inter to sign Coutinho, only for Liverpool to come in with a late bid.
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The attacking midfielder chose the Red Devils and the prospect of a regular European cup tie against Southampton.
This time, Mount faces a similar dilemma - and ironically, it may involve Pochettino. If the Argentinian joins Chelsea, he has the management tools to succeed but will face a bloated squad and a potentially lengthy break to find the best of the team. me.
Chelsea also will not compete in Europe next season and could face a tough race to qualify for the 2024/25 tournaments. Meanwhile, Liverpool will almost certainly have at least a place in the Europa League next season. Mount could be part of a rebuilding of the Red Devils on a smaller scale, which could make them more likely to challenge for the Premier League title, rather than perhaps a poorer prospect for the campaign. Stamford Bridge.
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