Chelsea have, on Saturday, been dealt not one, but two blows on the transfer front.
This comes owing to a pair of decisions made by the powers that be at Premier League rivals Manchester United.
The info on the situation comes by way of the reliable Jonathan Northcroft of The Times, who has first confirmed United’s decision to pull the plug on their long-term pursuit of Mason Mount.
It is of course common knowledge that Erik ten Hag and co, amid their ongoing search for reinforcements in the middle of the park, had identified England international Mount as the club’s first-choice summer target.
A trio of big-money proposals, in turn, were forthcoming by way of the transfer team at Old Trafford.
The most recent, tabled on Saturday, was knocked back by the Chelsea brass, who are understood to have made a counter-proposal, before requesting sit-down talks with their Red Devils counterparts.
🚨 Chelsea reject 3rd Man Utd bid for Mason Mount (£50m + £5m). #CFC make counter-proposal of £58m + £7m & offer to meet #MUFC to find amicable solution. There’s hope of quick resolution so 24yo doesn’t miss preseason + start of new campaign @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/NFnY9TpViM
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 23, 2023
Late on Saturday, it has therefore been confirmed that ‘Manchester United are focusing on other midfield targets, after reaching an impasse in their attempts to sign Mason Mount’.
Not only that, but Ten Hag has turned his attentions in the direction of Chelsea’s own chief summer target.
The player in question? Brighton & Hove Albion standout Moises Caicedo.
United’s latest offer for Mount remains on the table, and though a compromise could be found in the case of Chelsea lowering their demands, a deal coming to fruition between the two rival clubs is now looking increasingly unlikely.
🔺 NEW: Manchester United are focusing on other midfield targets, with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Moises Caicedo top of their list, after reaching an impasse in their attempts to sign Mason Mounthttps://t.co/h0RrZCuanq
— Times Sport (@TimesSport) June 24, 2023
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