Former England midfielder Jamie Redknapp has claimed that Mason Mount's development would suffer if Chelsea signed Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona during this summer's transfer window.
The Blues have allegedly been offered the Brazil international as Barca look to cut their losses.
However, Redknapp has admitted that he would fear for Mount if Frank Lampard's side did decide to move for the former Liverpool playmaker ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.
"I don't see this as a goer, it's an awful lot of money," Redknapp told Sky Sports News. "Coutinho is a super-talented player but he doesn't get enough goals.
"Chelsea have Mason Mount there and a lot of trust has been given to the young players who are coming through at Stamford Bridge. The way Chelsea have been going for the last year or so, I just don't see them going to spend £79m on a player.
"Coutinho is talented, but why would you want to risk preventing someone like Mount, who is going to be a top-class player, having the opportunities himself?"
Mount spent last season on loan at Derby County before returning to Stamford Bridge and has been a regular for the Blues this term, contributing six goals and five assists in 41 appearances in all competitions.
Matt Law
