Liverpool will soon be presented with the ideal opportunity to sign Mason Mount with talks over the star’s future likely to put the Reds in firm transfer control.
The Chelsea man has just over 12 months left on his deal at Stamford Bridge and talks over an extension have reached stalemate. And per widespread reports, he is one of the main targets Jurgen Klopp wants to bring to Anfield this summer.
Indeed, an extensive rebuild of the Reds midfield is already underway. Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner all said goodbye to Anfield on Saturday. And with the Reds also bidding a less-emotional farewell to loanee Arthur Melo, Liverpool will be four midfielders down next season.
As such, the need to strengthen their midfield has never been greater. And multiple reports claim Klopp is vying to sign at least three new players there to give his engine room a major new look next season.
Indeed, the likes of Alexis Mac Allister and Nicolo Barella are among those who Klopp seemingly wants to bring in. And in the case of Mac Allister, a top source has confirmed a move to take the Argentine to Anfield has now been agreed.
Now Klopp is ready to turn his focus firmly towards Mount.
With one report now claiming Liverpool are the favourites to land Mount, Ben Jacobs has had his say on the matter.
To that end, Mount will reportedly hold more talks with incoming new Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino.
And while a new new deal is not entirely out of the question, the reporter claims there is a ‘window of opportunity’ for Klopp to bring Mount to Merseyside.
Liverpool given chance to sign Mason Mount
Assessing Liverpool’s chances of signing Mount, Jacobs reckons there are two factors that give Liverpool a solid chance.
Speaking to Givemesport, he claims the Klopp factor, together with his Chelsea contract situation, could play into Liverpool’s hands.
“There’s the Klopp factor as well and despite the fact that Liverpool have had, to date anyway, a more disappointing season than they’d have hoped for, the project is still clear,” he said.
“Because Klopp is there and a range of other Liverpool players even after this revamp will remain and it’s sort of obvious where Mount fits in, whereas perhaps at Chelsea it’s been less so.
“But again the Mauricio Pochettino factor and the fact that Chelsea will still formally talk to Mount, means that nothing is final at this point. Liverpool see a window of opportunity there to potentially get Mount at a bargain fee, because of the contract winding down.”
While Liverpool are willing to make Mount a top target, the Daily Mail now states a change of heart at Chelsea will see his price rise.
Indeed, they claim both Pochettino and Blues owner Todd Boehly now want to keep the midfield star.
As a result, Chelsea could look to demand as much as £80m for Mount, despite his contract nearing its final year.
Nonetheless, Mount can look to force the issue by instructing Chelsea of his wish to move on.
And as Jacobs points out, it would be much more obvious where Mount would fit in at Anfield as opposed Stamford Bridge.
As such, there is a growing feeling that the player feels the time is right to make the break away from Chelsea.
