Manchester United to lodge third Mason Mount bid and hopeful of striking deal

Chelsea rejected £45m plus £5m in add-ons from United

ANOTHER BID INCOMING: Chelsea's Mason Mount.

Manchester United are preparing to lodge a third bid for Mason Mount and are hopeful it will persuade Chelsea to sell the midfielder. Chelsea have been holding out for £70m but United are confident a compromise can be reached for a player who has one year on his contract.

United’s most recent offer was £45m plus £5m in add-ons and they want clarity soon regarding Mount so that if necessary they can move on to other targets, who include Brighton’s Moisés Caicedo. Chelsea are also keen on Caicedo.

Chelsea have accepted £25m plus £5m in add-ons from Manchester City for Mateo Kovacic, who has a year on his deal. Kovacic is five years older than Mount, at 29, but United believe the deal indicates £70m is an unrealistic asking price for the England midfielder. Kovacic is due to have a medical with City on Friday.

Arsenal and Liverpool explored deals for Mount but United are his likeliest destination. Personal terms with United will not be an issue.

Guardian