Manchester United have had a £40million bid for midfielder Mason Mount knocked back by Chelsea as the Stamford Bridge club holds out for a significantly higher fee.
Mount is set to leave Chelsea this summer after both parties failed to agree to fresh terms, his contract expires in 2024.
Man United must increase offer for Chelsea's Mount
The Athletic reports that although Mount has made Man United his preferred destination, the Red Devils must satisfy Chelsea financially and their first bid of £40m has fallen short of what the Blues want.
United are expected to return with an improved offer with manager Erik ten Hag a big fan of the player.
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino would love to work with Mount next season, but that now seems highly unlikely as talks over a new long-term deal have completely broken down
Chelsea target Villarreal's Nico Jackson to fix striker problem
Liverpool and Arsenal have also been keen on Mount but Manchester United are in pole position as things stand.
Mount has made 195 appearances for Chelsea since his first-team debut in 2017, scoring 33 goals.
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