MANCHESTER UNITED are considering a move for Chelsea’s Mason Mount this summer as an alternative to Jude Bellingham.
The Red Devils have weighed up a move for Borussia Dortmund star Bellingham, 19, but with Real Madrid and Liverpool considered to be ahead of them in the race, Erik ten Hag is looking to other targets.
And England midfielder Mount is increasingly being viewed as an ideal fit for the Dutchman’s plans going forward.
The 24-year-old’s future at Stamford Bridge is up in the air amid a stand-off over a new contract.
Mount’s current deal expires next summer while talks over fresh terms have stalled over the Blues’ desire to tie their stars down to long-term deals.
It is thought Chelsea could accept a bid worth about £50million.
Fellow academy graduate Reece James signed a six-year deal in west London last year, meaning there is an expectation on Mount to follow suit.
Boss Graham Potter has called for the situation to be resolved quickly, but while an impasse remains other top clubs are circling.
Man United’s rivals Liverpool have also shown an interest, though they are also pursuing Bellingham this summer.
Ten Hag’s top target remains Tottenham and England star Harry Kane, though investment is needed elsewhere and Three Lions teammate Mount is viewed as a good fit alongside Spurs’ all-time top scorer.
United are growing ever more confident of landing Kane, whose camp have expressed an interest in the move, especially following Tottenham’s exit from both domestic cups and now the Champions League.
As well as planning big name arrivals at Old Trafford ahead of next season, Ten Hag also wants to cut a number of under-performing players from his squad.
Captain Harry Maguire, forward Anthony Martial and midfielder Scott McTominay are all facing uncertain futures and are in line to be moved on come the end of the campaign.
West Ham asked about a deal for England defender Maguire during the January window but were knocked back while both Newcastle and Southampton have considered McTominay.
Right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka has long been open to a move back to Crystal Palace, who he left for United in 2019, and despite his turnaround in form could still be heading for the exit this summer.
Ten Hag must also find a new club for Alex Telles, who is on loan at Sevilla until the end of the season but will have another year on his deal at Old Trafford when he returns.
