Manchester United have joined Liverpool and Arsenal in the race to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea.
The Red Devils have become the latest high-profile Premier League club to register an interest in the 24-year-old.
The England international, who missed the final weeks of the season through injury, is a primary target for Erik ten Hag heading into the summer transfer window and the United boss wants a deal wrapped up quickly.
Mount is entering the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge with his future under increasing uncertainty.
United sources have indicated that talks over a move for the 24-year-old are set to commence.
United want to pay in the region of £55m for Mount, a price that falls way below Chelsea’s £85m valuation.
United may be prepared to increase their initial valuation of Mount given Ten Hag’s determination to add the attacker to his ranks next season.
But the intention from United to sign Mount this summer is clear, with the Blues academy graduate’s future set to become one of the sagas of the close season.
In addition to United, Arsenal are also interested in Mount as Mikel Arteta looks to build on his team’s second-placed finish this season.
Liverpool are also actively pursuing a deal for Mount as Jurgen Klopp seeks to rebuild his midfield after a difficult season.
Incoming Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is a huge admirer of Mount and - in an ideal world - would prefer him to sign a new contract.
Mount would become a key player for Pochettino, who has admired the attacking midfielder from a distance for a number of years.
However, as it stands, there is significant doubt over whether Chelsea can successfully revive talks with Mount over a new contract.
Chelsea’s American owners have spent £600million on new players in the previous two transfer windows but have not prioritised a new deal for Mount.
Indeed, with the prospect of losing Mount for nothing next year now looming large - Chelsea will likely look to sell the player this summer rather than r isk him leaving on a free transfer
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