Chelsea caretaker manager Frank Lampard has admitted that he cannot offer any guarantees over the future of in-demand midfielder Mason Mount.
Despite long-running negotiations, the 24-year-old is yet to come to an agreement with the Blues over a new deal and is currently due to become a free agent in the summer of 2024.
Mount is believed to be after a wage that would make him one of the best-paid players at the club if he were to stay, but Chelsea are not willing to bow to his financial demands.
As a result, the Blues could be forced into a summer sale if the England international ultimately does not pen fresh terms, with all of Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool thought to be interested.
Speaking to Sky Sports News ahead of Thursday's 4-1 beating at the hands of Manchester United, Lampard has conceded that he does not know what will happen with Mount's future and is preparing for the eventuality that the midfielder could depart.
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"I think it is a difficult situation. From working with Mason and other players when I was here before, they've either gone on to be really important players for the club that have a real relation with the fans, back and forth, because they really feel the club when they've been in the academy since eight years of age," Lampard said.
"And some of them have moved on to other clubs and the club have done well out of that. They've gone on and you've wished them well in their careers. I think with Mason particularly, as an individual, I don't know what the solution is going to be because it's a club and Mason issue.
"I don't know exactly where Mason is at personally. He's got a year left on his contract. I know he's held in high regard at the club and I know the club are doing what they can to make him stay.
'But I think also with Mason, I'd never want to stand here and talk in the modern day about what a player should do, because they'll see it all with their own eyes.
"In the old days, it was, 'why are you leaving the club?' In the modern day, players move on. It's a shame we've got into a situation where it looks like it's happening maybe now."
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Having shone for Derby County under Lampard's wing in the 2018-19 season, Mount made a name for himself at Chelsea under his compatriot but has since experienced a downturn in fortunes during an injury-hit 2022-23 season.
The 24-year-old has registered just three goals and six assists from 35 appearances in all tournaments this term and has played just 16 minutes of Premier League football since the start of March due to a pelvic injury.
It is still unclear if Mount will be fit to return for the Blues' final-day clash with Newcastle United at the weekend, and the midfielder could therefore have played his final game for the club if he fails to recover in time.
Mount, who has been with Chelsea since 2005, has posted a total of 33 goals and 37 assists in 195 matches for the Blues, winning the Champions League, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup in the process.
The former Derby and Vitesse loanee is apparently set for fresh talks over his Chelsea future next week, but he is understood to be leaning towards a switch to Man United if no agreement can be found with the West London club.
Ben Knapton
