Transfer Talk: Man Utd Mount approach for Mason

Manchester United are set to make a bid for Mason Mount as the midfielder's contract stand-off at Chelsea continues.

The 24-year-old will see his current deal expire at the end of next season but is no closer to agreeing an extension at Stamford Bridge.

According to the Daily Mail, the Red Devils are preparing to launch a first offer of £55million for the England international to try and steal a march on both Liverpool and Arsenal.

Erik ten Hag is determined to get a deal done quickly, although the proposed sum falls below the Blues' valuation, which is thought to be closer to £85m.

The United manager has already warned those above him that money alone cannot buy success next season.

ESPN say Mount and Tottenham talisman Harry Kane — whose contract also expires in 2024 — are among several targets.

Ten Hag said: "There is a centralisation of good players, of the best managers, also of the money, and it is all here in the UK. That makes a great competition, but also a tough and a hard competition.

"And you have to do the right things and you can have money, but you have to do it and spend it in a smart way. And also you need a strategy behind it, because otherwise, the money doesn't work."

In other news

The Independent report Aston Villa are leading the chase to sign in-demand Leicester winger Harvey Barnes.

West Ham are also interested in the Foxes attacker, as well as Leeds midfielder Jack Harrison, according to The Sun.

The Mirror report Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is ready to offload academy product Emile Smith Rowe in order to make room in the squad for Leicester playmaker James Maddison.