Liverpool are understood to be in the ‘strongest position’ to sign Mason Mount from Chelsea as the midfielder edges towards an exit.
Mount could leave Chelsea after contract talks with the club reached an impasse, a situation which has alerted the attention of leading clubs.
Liverpool have been linked with a move as Jurgen Klopp looks to rebuild his midfield, while Bayern Munich have emerged as suitors following the appointment of former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel.
The Athletic are reporting that Liverpool are in the ‘strongest position’ to conclude a deal however, despite Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham and Newcastle having all monitored his situation.
‘Significant conversations’ are understood to have taken place at Liverpool over a potential move for Mount, as Liverpool look to rebuild a midfield that looks set to lose Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita on free transfers this summer. James Milner is also out of contract at the end of the season, while Arthur Melo will return to Juventus after a disappointing loan move.
Interest from Bayern Munich has added another strong suitor to the race for the England midfielder, with Thomas Tuchel a firm admirer of the 24-year-old. However, the Bundesliga champions have a depth of options in midfield and have already agreed the free transfer signing of Konrad Laimer from RB Leipzig ahead of next season.
The focus for the Germans appears to be on signing a centre-forward and Tuchel will want to run the rule over his current midfield – including the on-loan Marcel Sabitzer – before pursuing a deal for Mount.
Mount’s ‘priority’ has been to remain with Chelsea, but as the summer approaches it appears increasingly likely he will leave. The midfielder is one of the lowest-paid players at Chelsea having signed his current deal in 2019, with the club’s proposal for a renewal having not reflected his importance to the side. He has been named as Chelsea’s Player of the Season in each of the last two campaigns.
Chelsea will reportedly demand a fee of around £70m for Mount, though it remains to be seen whether that figure is realistic given he will be available on a free transfer in 2024.
