Mason Mount is a target for Manchester United, who might entice him with an offer of the coveted No. 7 shirt even if he might not really want it.
Given that Mount, 24, is approaching the last year of his contract and is not showing any indications of consenting to an extension, his 18-year stint at Chelsea is coming to an increasingly likely end. A number of Premier League teams, including United, expressed interest early on, and Erik ten Hag’s team has stepped up their efforts in the last few weeks.
The Reds had their initial offer, estimated to be worth approximately £40 million, thwarted, so earlier this week they made a second bid of about £50 million. They are the favorites to win the contest, and discussions are still ongoing.
United might give Mount the opportunity to wear the renowned No. 7 shirt—which has historically been used by David Beckham, Eric Cantona, and George Best—in an effort to lure him north to the M16. But Mount has never worn that particular number before, so his current option might become available.
Less than three weeks remain till United takes on Leeds United in Oslo to begin their preseason training.
On Wednesday, July 12, the Reds—who have not yet added a player during this summer’s transfer window—will go to Norway to face their long-standing opponents. Before the big kickoff on Monday, August 14, United has seven friendlies scheduled. This will be the first one.
As usual, preseason will provide each player on the team a chance to try and establish a reputation for themselves before the upcoming Premier League season begins. The Manchester Evening News said on Thursday that two distinct sets of United’s players will return for preseason games.
The international players of the team are scheduled to report back starting on July 10, while United’s non-international contingent is scheduled to return in the beginning of July. Because each group’s members will be at varying degrees of fitness, this could open doors for some of the club’s younger players to demonstrate their abilities.
