Manchester United are ready to inform Chelsea that they are willing to make one final offer for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount.
Since the closing weeks of the season, it has become clear that the Blues academy graduate has no intention of signing a new contract and that his preferred destination is Manchester United.
Such a development has coincided with Chelsea being under pressure to generate as many transfer funds as possible to boost their position with FFP before June 30.
If reports are to be believed, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital have agreed to sell Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, Mateo Kovacic, Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz in deals that will recoup well in excess of £100m.
However, while those transfers are expected to be finalised in due course, Chelsea have retained a tougher stance regarding Mount, even though the England international has just one year left on his contract.
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United boss Erik ten Hag allegedly views Mount as a priority transfer target at a time when he is partially restricted in the transfer market due to the club's ongoing takeover process.
The Red Devils are said to have failed with two bids, the latest offer being in the region of £50m, with Chelsea insisting on recouping at least £60m.
However, United have no desire for a prolonged saga, and The Times reports that they are preparing to put forward their third and final proposal for the playmaker.
The report says that the offer will be in excess of £55m once add-ons are included, with the approach leaving the ball in Chelsea's court with all parties ultimately wanting to facilitate a transfer.
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Previous claims have indicated that a compromise may be possible once negotiations reach a certain stage, while United are aware of the urgency that Chelsea need to act ahead of the end of business for 2022-23.
Chelsea are also in the process of making their own signings, with a deal for RB Leipzig's Christopher Nkunku having gone through earlier this week.
That has added further financial outlay onto the books, but the sale of Mount would theoretically cover the money shelled out for the France international.
Chelsea are also keen to add Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo and Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson to their squad as soon as possible in order to fend off rival interest.
Darren Plant
