Chelsea have reportedly made it clear to Manchester United that they will not let Mason Mount leave the club this summer for anything under £69m.
The Red Devils appear to have identified the England international as one of their leading targets for the summer transfer window, and it has been claimed that Mount has already agreed personal terms with Erik ten Hag's side.
Man United are believed to be willing to pay £50m for the England international, who has less than 12 months left to run on his contract at Stamford Bridge.
However, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea want £69m for the 24-year-old and will refuse to drop their asking price despite not being in a strong position to negotiate a high price.
The Italian claims that Man United are not prepared to meet the London club's valuation at this stage, which has stalled a potential switch to Old Trafford.
"There is still no official bid from Man United to Chelsea. United know, at the moment, that Chelsea don't want to negotiate," said Romano on his official YouTube channel.
"Chelsea are not open at the moment to sit at a table and negotiate for Mason Mount... €80m (£69m) at least, or nothing. This is the position of Chelsea for Mount.
"At the moment United don't want to pay that money. They want to pay way less than this. This is why there is a big gap between United and Chelsea. Let's see if Chelsea open negotiations in the next days.
"We know the player is keen on the move, so Mount will be prepared to say 'yes' to this opportunity to leave Chelsea and go to United. But again it's Chelsea creating the biggest issue. They are not accepting this possibility."
Mount found it difficult to show his best form for Chelsea during the 2022-23 campaign, only managing three goals and six assists in 35 appearances in all competitions.
The attacker missed the end of the season following a pelvic operation, but he will be fit for the start of pre-season training, whether that is at Chelsea or somewhere else.
The Blues are under pressure to make sales this summer due to their spending over the last couple of transfer windows, and there will be no Champions League football at Stamford Bridge next season, having finished down in 12th position in the Premier League table.
Man United are determined not to overspend on Mount, as the club also want to bring in at least one new forward, in addition to a centre-back, with club captain Harry Maguire set to depart.
Mount has featured on 195 occasions for Chelsea in all competitions, contributing 33 goals and 37 assists in the process, including 27 goals and 24 assists in 129 Premier League games. body check tags ::
