European giants trying to hijack Manchester United's Mason Mount move - Reports
Bayern Munich are reportedly set to capitalise on Manchester United's failure to agree a transfer fee with Chelsea for midfielder Mason Mount.
According to The Guardian, the Bavarians are preparing to enter the bidding war for Mount. They're looking to take advantage of the impasse in negotiations between the Blues and Red Devils over the 24-year-old.
Chelsea have rejected three offers from Manchester United for Mount. They want £65 million for the England internationa,l but United feel that's unjustifiable, as he has a year left in his contract and is coming off an underwhelming campaign.
Mount played under Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge, and the German tactician is the player's admirer. Mount scored 19 goals and contributed 20 assists in 87 games across competitions under Tuchel.
However, Mount endured a drop off in form the German's Tuchel's sacking in September. He managed just three goals and six assists in 35 games across competitions in the 2022-23 seaon.
The English international is relunctant to extend his contract with Chelsea which expires next year. That led to Manchester United pursuing a deal, but they have not been able to agree a transfer fee with the Blues.
Bayern look to have now entered the race, and there's reportedly a possibility the Blues accept a lower fee from a foreign club. Mount has been at Stamford Bridge since his youth days.
The English midfielder has won the UEFA Champions League (under Tuchel). He has scored 33 goals and provided 37 assists in 195 games across competitions. The Englishman was viewed as one of Chelsea's most valuable players till the last campaign.
Chelsea interested in Manchester United-target Diogo Costa
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Chelsea are looking to sign Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
However, a move for the Portuguese shot-stopper is being delayed due to Edouard Mendy's ongoing transfer to Saudi giants Al Ahli. Costa is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe and is admired by the Blues.
The 23-year-old made 41 appearances across competitions in the 2022-23 season, keeping 20 clean sheets. He won the Taca de Portugal with Porto last month with a 2-0 win over Braga. The Primeira Liga giants value him at €75 million. However, the west London outfit want to pay that amount in three instalments to keep their FFP balance in check.
Manchester United have also been reported as potential suitors for the Portugal international. David de Gea is yet to sign off an agreed new deal with the Red Devils, with his contract expiring this month.
However, Costa downplayed links to United following the Taca de Portugal win:
“I love Porto; it’s the club of my life. I would give my life for it. My life is resolved with Porto. Manchester United? This is the internet.”
Chelsea's interest in Costa goes against reports from Sky Sports. They say that Mauricio Pochettino is trusting in Kepa Arrizabalaga in continuing as the west Londoners' No.1 next season.
However, the Spaniard endured a topsy-turvy past season. He kept 12 clean sheets in 39 games but was guilty of mistakes.