Graham Potter has revealed the latest on Mason Mount’s future at Chelsea, with the midfielder’s future up in the air over the past few weeks.
The Englishman is approaching the final 12 months of his contract at Stamford Bridge and talks regarding an extension have not exactly progressed quickly, prompting interest from Liverpool and a host of other Premier League sides.
Chelsea remain hopeful about keeping Mount but have accepted that they may be forced to sell the 24-year-old academy graduate in the summer, if he continues to reject the Blues’ offers.
Potter speaks on Mason Mount’s future at Chelsea
Speaking in a press conference on Friday ahead of his side’s Premier League game against Leicester City, Potter took time to praise Mount’s conduct despite the uncertainty of his contract issues behind-the-scenes.
“Ultimately it is between the club and Mason,” Potter said.
“I have spoken to him numerous times about his situation, football and life generally.
“My feelings for Mason are clear. He is a fantastic person firstly but sometimes these things happen. They are just complicated and it is best that I speak little about it, let them get on with it in deciding what is right for both parties.”
Asked whether he had told Mount he wants the midfielder to stay, Potter said: “Yes, but I am not naive. I know it is an important time for him and an important contract. These things have to be right for him and his family. It’s important he makes a decision on that basis.
“He’s the same as everybody else; he wants to play. At the moment, he is suffering with a slight injury so he probably needs little bit more time until he is available properly. He is happy around the place and wants to help the team. That is normal with Mason, no change in that. He wants to help and the team to win. He wants to be injury free and play football.”
Alongside Liverpool, Mount’s situation is also being closely monitored by Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle United, but it is Jurgen Klopp’s Anfield outfit who are most well-place to go for the midfielder in the summer.
Liverpool are ready to ignite a midfield rebuild at the end of the season and see Mount as a cost-effective signing who could compliment the arrival of their primary target, Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham.
