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Ruben Neves could end up joining Man United if a potential transfer to Barcelona collapses, as reported by Sport via Sport Witness.

What is the latest on Ruben Neves to Man United?

The Wolves midfielder has been at Molineux since helping take them out of the Championship and into the Premier League back in the 2017/18 campaign. He set the second tier alight with his dominating displays from midfield and his penchant for long-range goals and has been a mainstay in the club's side ever since.

Having gone from strength-to-strength in the top flight and now racked up over 216 league showings for Wolves, he has proven to be a wanted man amongst other top tier sides over the last few seasons. Last summer for example, both Man United and Liverpool expressed an interest in trying to snap up the player.

However, Neves stayed with his current team for the duration of this campaign and has once more proven important with six goals and one assist in 32 league outings. Now though, the midfielder could finally be set to move on with his Wolves deal expiring next summer. His club won't want to let him leave for nothing and that means they could cash in this summer.

A fresh report from Sport via Sport Witness suggests that he will indeed end his time with Wolves but that he has his heart set on a move to Spain and La Liga, with Barcelona the front-runners to snap up the 26-year-old. However, the deal that would send him to the Camp Nou involved a trade for Ansu Fati and with the Barca man unwilling to swap teams, it has stalled negotiations according to this source.

It means that a La Liga switch might not happen for Neves after all – and if that is the case, Man United would step in as the next available club, with the player set on departing Molineux.

Would Ruben Neves be a good Man United signing?

The midfielder has lit up the Premier League ever since he helped drag Wolves back into the top flight and he has shown no signs of slowing down either.

This year, despite his club toiling at the wrong end of the division, he has still regularly put in a shift and emerged as the one bright spot in what has been a lacklustre campaign for the team. This has been showcased by his 6.99 WhoScored rating in the Premier League – a better score than any other player at Molineux this season.

It comes as no surprise though, with even his teammates heaping the praise on Neves. Hugo Bueno labelled the midfielder as an "incredible player" and admitted he is a "key player" to the side.

Neves then could certainly slot into a top-level club considering that he continues to impress and shine above the rest at Wolves. His goal tally from midfield showcases an impressive ability to get things done under pressure – he has six this term, the joint-most at Wolves despite being a midfielder – and that shows a mentality from the player that would work out nicely at Old Trafford.

Colin Ingram led Glamorgan to a trouble-free victory after Surrey capsized in Cardiff

ECB Reporters Network24-Jun-2016
ScorecardColin Ingram helped Glamorgan stroll to an easy victory•Getty ImagesA brilliant display with the from Glamorgan saw them bowl Surrey out inside 20 overs for the second time this season in the NatWest T20 Blast as they continued their fine form in this competition. They dismissed Surrey out for just 110 with two wickets from Dale Steyn in his final game for the county before he departs for the Caribbean. It took just 15.5 overs for Glamorgan to overhaul that Surrey total with Colin Ingram scoring his fifth successive half century in the process.Surrey started well enough with Steven Davies and Gary Wilson opening the innings with Jason Roy away on England duty. They had reached 19 without loss in the third over when Dale Steyn had Davies strangled down the legside. From there it became a procession of wickets for the visitors who stumbled to 36-3 at the end of the six over PowerPlay.The wickets were shared around by the Glamorgan bowlers and while Steyn was the most impressive of those on display the most significant scalps were picked up by 38-year-old Dean Cosker. Having been left out of the red ball side this season Cosker has been a limited-overs specialist this year. Here he took two for 23 to become the first Glamorgan bowler to reach 100 Twenty20 wickets.Some credit needs to go to Glamorgan wicket-keeper Chris Cooke who took four catches and a stumping. He has been in fine form with the gloves since taking over the wicket-keeping duties from Mark Wallace in white ball cricket, and his two handed catch high above his head to dismiss Kumar Sangakkara off the bowling of Michael Hogan was the highlight of an excellent display.Once it was Glamorgan’s turn to bat they could not have got off to a worse start, Sam Curran dismissing David Lloyd for a three ball duck to leave them one wicket down without a run on the board. From there it was incredibly straightforward as Ingram continued his ridiculous form that has seen him score 377 runs from his last five visits to the crease. He has now hit 16 sixes in six innings in the T20 Blast, more than all other Glamorgan batsmen combined.It was Ingram that hit the winning runs, cutting Dwayne Bravo behind square for four, but there was a welcome return to run making for Glamorgan captain Jacques Rudolph who made a well-judged 40 not out from 43 balls. The South African has been struggling for runs throughout 2016 and he will be hopeful of this effort kick-starting his season.This was a top of the table clash with Glamorgan in first place in the South Group and Surrey in second going into this match. It did not seem that way as Glamorgan brushed aside the visitors with ease to further cement their place as group leaders.For Surrey they will be a quick turnaround, their next match in this competition is tomorrow against Essex. They will be hopeful of an equally quick turnaround in performance.

Liverpool hold a strong interest in the possibility of bringing Aurelien Tchouameni over to the Premier League from Real Madrid.

How many midfielders do Liverpool need?

It has been a turbulent campaign for the Reds who experienced major struggles at the beginning of the campaign but their issues have been resolved over the course of the campaign.

The Reds are providing their fans with a strong end to the season as the aim to land a spot in the top four following their recent push.

However, there is clearly an eye on bringing in major improvements over the summer transfer window with the midfield area believed to be their main focus.

Indeed it has been suggested the Reds are eyeing around three additions to their midfield over the course of the summer.

This comes amid a number of potential departures with the likes of James Milner expected to move on with Brighton & Hove Albion on the radar.

Having seemingly withdrawn from the race for Jude Bellingham, the Reds have wasted no time in identifying a number of possible targets for the upcoming window.

And speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast, insider Graeme Bailey has claimed they are looking to Spain's capital with the France international Tchouameni a player they admire:

(3:30) "This a player who Liverpool love they almost got him but Real Madrid came in. The lure of the Bernabeu was too much."

"I think Liverpool are just making it known to Real and to the player himself, you know, if you want to come to England, we're here. We still like you, we still rate you. With Real, they don't want to let them go. They know what a talent they've got."

Would Tchouameni improve Liverpool?

It has not been a disastrous campaign for the Frenchman, however, he has made 21 starts in the league and has failed to start any of their last four Champions League games (via Transfermarkt).

Reporter Kiyan Sobhani has hailed the 23-year-old as a "beast" and the Frenchman has certainly provided some impressive returns this season as he ranks inside the top percentile for interceptions made (via FBref).

Adding to that, he also ranks inside the top 14th percentile for both aerial duels won and clearances made.

This is a player who has received big praise from some of the most established players in the game with Paul Pogba waxing lyrical about his fellow countryman:

'It was a pleasure to play next to him. He brings a lot of energy. A lot of energy, extraordinary technical and physical quality,' said the Juventus midfielder.

In comparison to Jordan Henderson (82.9%), the 23-year-old has provided a much higher (93%) pass success rate this season as well as offering double the number of tackles per game (via FBref).

In fact, Tchouameni outperforms the England midfielder in most departments which would suggest he could prove a really influential addition over the summer.

England return to the format that provided heartbreak earlier this year when Carlos Brathwaite grabbed the World T20 from under their noses

The Preview by Andrew McGlashan04-Jul-2016Match FactsJuly 5, 2016
Start time 6.30pm (1730GMT)Tymal Mills steams in during a net session•Getty ImagesBig PictureEngland return to the format that provided heartbreak earlier this year when Carlos Brathwaite grabbed the World T20 from under their noses. But the game moves on and judging by the way they played in the one-day series against Sri Lanka, their belief with the white-ball remains undimmed.A one-off T20 at the end of a tour feels a lonely fixture but there is added spice to this game with England on the verge of unleashing Tymal Mills, the Sussex left-arm quick, who is purely a T20 player these days due to a congenital back condition and is making a fine stab and forging a career from it.If Sri Lanka thought they were peppered in the Test and ODIs from England’s quicks – especially Liam Plunkett in the one-dayers – then they had better make sure chest pads, arm guards, and other assorted protective equipment is securely in place at the Ageas Bowl.This is their last chance to take something from a dispiriting tour. Angelo Mathews has looked a more forlorn captain the longer the trip has gone – exasperated by repeated failings in his team – but insists he has the stomach to continue leading them. Whether that decision is taken out of his hands on return home remains to be seen.The format has not provided much solace for Sri Lanka amid their struggles. England knocked them out of the World T20 and they have won just three of 13 T20s they have played in 2016 – and only one of those against a Full Member. They may as well go out swinging and see if it provides a change in fortune.Form guideEngland LWWWW (completed matches, most recent first)
Sri Lanka LLLWLIn the spotlightHe left England’s best batsmen hopping around the Centurion Park nets. He has roughed up Chris Gayle. And just when the batsmen are camped on the back foot, he has confounded them with a slower ball. You dare not take your eyes off Tymal Mills when he is bowling. He admits it won’t always go well – as a career economy rate of 8.10 attests to – but this season he has produced four-over spells of 3 for 15 and 1 for 15 off four oversKusal Perera will likely be in the firing line early against Mills. He hasn’t quite managed to translate the promising form he showed in the Lord’s Test, and then with a century against Ireland in Malahide, but that is not surprising given his enforced absence of six months after the erroneous drugs suspension.Team newsTrevor Bayliss wants Mills in the final XI and though he is not the sole voice in selection it would seem perverse to name Mills in the squad and not give him a game. Liam Dawson, the Hampshire allrounder who was in the World T20 squad, has been confirmed to make his debut while Dawid Malan, the Middlesex left-hander, could make it three new caps. Alex Hales, Joe Root and Moeen Ali have all been rested.England (possible) 1 Jason Roy, 2 Dawid Malan, 3 James Vince, 4 Eoin Morgan (capt), 5 Jos Buttler (wk), 6 Liam Dawson, 7 Adil Rashid, 8 Chris Jordan, 9 David Willey, 10 Liam Plunkett, 11 Tymal MillsDhananjaya de Silva could replace Upul Tharanga who is not part of the T20 squad.Chaminda Bandara was given his ODI debut in Cardiff and though he went for 83 there isn’t much to lose playing him in the T20 where left-armers have proved particularly effective. Suraj Randiv, the offspinner, could also come into the equation.Sri Lanka (possible) 1 Kusal Perera, 2 Danushka Gunathilaka, 3 Kusal Mendis, 4 Dinesh Chandimal(wk), 5 Angelo Mathews (capt), 6 Seekkuge Prasanna, 7 Dhananjaya de Silva, 8 Dasun Shanaka, 9 Chaminda Bandara/Suraj Randiv, 10 Nuwan Pradeep, 11 Suranga LakmalPitch and conditionsThe pitches at the Ageas are normally excellent for international cricket, offering pace for both bowlers and batsmen to work with, although the recent wet weather could make things tougher this time for the groundsman. The forecast is for a dry and mild evening.Stats and trivia England played their first T20I on this ground, against Australia in 2005 when they won by 100 runs by bowling out Australia for 79. James Vince, who plays for Hampshire, has batted four times in T20Is and has not scored fewer than 22. He was Man of the Series against Pakistan in the UAE. The Ageas Bowl is comfortably the fastest scoring T20I venue in England with runs coming at 9.07 over its three games. Worldwide, of grounds to have hosted three or more T20Is, only Mumbai and Pune have seen runs come quicker.The highest score in T20Is was made on this ground: Aaron Finch’s 156 in 2013.Quotes”I saw him at a practice in South Africa when he bowled to the boys and again the other night against Kent and it was impressive stuff. Good to see some batsmen ducking and weaving. I’d love to see him play, I won’t be the sole selector but from my point of view it would be great to see someone like that charge and give it everything.”
“Hopefully quite a number of our players have grown as cricketers even though we haven’t had the results we wanted. Although we’ve come second I think there has been some progress.”

Leeds United return to Premier League action today, but face a stern test as they welcome Newcastle United to Yorkshire.

Sam Allardyce will know just how imperative any points could prove to be in their desperate bid for survival, yet Eddie Howe's high-flying Magpies remain just as incensed to fight for the win given their battle to secure Champions League football wages on. Both of these teams are vying for something they will feel they deserve, and it should make for a feisty affair.

Having fallen to a spirited loss last time out against Manchester City, the experienced 68-year-old will have already learned plenty about the squad in preparation for yet another daunting fixture. Having also enjoyed ample time to instil his ideas across to the squad, it is expected that Elland Road will play host to a resolute display in the hopes of frustrating the visitors.

With injuries and fitness to contend with as they begin a triumvirate of cup finals for the Whites, there could be slight changes in order to keep the squad fresh and ready for the fight ahead.

How will Leeds lineup against Newcastle?

There could be as many as two changes from the defeat to the Cityzens.

Having been found culpable on one too many occasions this year, directly at fault for at least three goals, Illan Meslier will remain on the bench whilst Joel Robles starts.

The back four should also remain largely unchanged, but with Rasmus Kristensen far from a centre-back, and Luke Ayling a much more dependable and experienced option at full-back, the Denmark international must be dropped.

After all, one of the £10m flop's most recent showings at right-back saw him branded as "appalling" by journalist Leon Wobschall. Pascal Struijk could then earn a recall to partner Max Wober as his replacement instead, and the two will be flanked by Junior Firpo and the aforementioned 31-year-old vice-captain.

The midfield three should remain unchanged given a lack of alternatives, as Adam Forshaw, Weston McKennie and Marc Roca all start.

That leaves just one further change within the front three, allowing Patrick Bamford to drop out so the more in-form Rodrigo can return. Having come from the bench last week to half the deficit, the Spaniard notched his 12th league goal of the season to further extend his lead as the club's top scorer.

He will be supported by the attacking exploits of Wilfried Gnonto and Jack Harrison, both of whom possess that moment of magic that could be imperative to claim all three points today.

Predicted Leeds XI (4-3-3): Robles; Ayling, Struijk, Wober, Firpo; Roca, McKennie, Forshaw; Harrison, Rodrigo, Gnonto

Darren Sammy, who led West Indies to two World T20 titles, has said in a video posted on his Facebook account that he won’t be the West Indies T20 captain anymore

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Aug-2016Darren Sammy, who led West Indies to two World T20 titles, has said in a video posted on his Facebook account that he won’t be the West Indies T20 captain anymore. In the video posted on Friday, Sammy said the chairman of selectors informed him via a phone call that they had “reviewed the captaincy of T20,” and he did not merit a place in the West Indies squad.”I got a call yesterday morning, it was probably 30 seconds, from the chairman of selectors telling me that they’ve reviewed the captaincy of T20 and I won’t be captain anymore of the T20 team, [and] my performances have not merited selection in the squad,” Sammy said in the video.”That’s okay, I’ve always believed West Indies cricket is not about Darren Sammy. They are looking to the future and I wanna wish the new captain – I don’t know if it’s out yet so I won’t call any names – all the best as he looks to lead West Indies cricket and take it forward.”Obviously, throughout my captaincy, winning the two [T20] World Cups has been the highlight. And these memories I will cherish for a long time. This is not me retiring from one-day or T20, it’s just me thanking the fans and my players and the coaches I’ve worked with and WICB for…yeah, letting me lead the side for the last six years. But for now the captaincy has come to an end and thank you people.”I just know I played with my heart and soul whenever I stepped out on the cricket field.”In an emotional six-minute long video, Sammy first spoke about the CPL campaign of his team St Lucia Zouks, that lost the eliminator to Trinbago Knight Riders on Thursday, before talking about losing his West Indies captaincy and his exclusion from the T20 squad. The limited-overs team is scheduled to play two T20Is against India in Florida at the end of the month.”Six years ago I was asked to captain West Indies, a task which I fought [and] would be the biggest challenge in my career, in my life,” Sammy said. “A task which I know would be so difficult but guess what…I took it head on. I embraced the challenge, I embraced the difficulty. I turn up at the office which is my playground, the cricket field, every day and put in the work.”I started off with Ottis Gibson [then West Indies coach]. I want to thank you buddy for believing in me and now it has ended up with Phil [Simmons]. To my players all over the years, who’ve been part of the team and who’ve been under my captaincy, I want to thank you all for all the support. We’ve had our ups and downs but I have never given up hope, I have never stopped believing in myself and in the team. That is what I was about as captain – trying to instill positive, never-say-die attitude into my players. The result we won two World Cups and I want to thank all of you.”Like Sammy, West Indies wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin chose social media to tweet about his exclusion from the Test side that was to play against India at home.Sammy led West Indies to the 2016 World T20 title four months ago, to go with the trophy won in 2012 in Sri Lanka. He did not have much of an impact with bat and ball though: he faced 13 balls in his three innings, scoring eight runs, and bowled three overs, taking one wicket.Sammy led West Indies in 47 T20Is, starting in 2011, with 27 wins. After winning the T20 title in Kolkata in April this year, he gave an emotional speech at the post-match presentation, expressing his disappointment at the lack of support from the WICB.

Middlesbrough face Coventry City at the Riverside Stadium this evening, where the winners will earn a trip to Wembley to face Luton Town in the Championship playoff final.

A 0-0 draw in the away leg last week has left Michael Carrick's side as favourites to progress but their poor end to the season will need to be addressed against Mark Robins' side if they are going to secure victory on Wednesday night.

Last week's stalemate means that Boro have won just two of their last nine games in the second tier, a run which included a 1-1 draw with the Sky Blues on the final day of the normal season.

Although Carrick's side would dominate possession in the away leg and had the best chance of the game when Chuba Akpom's effort was deflected onto the crossbar, they struggled to create many clear-cut opportunities, so changes could be on the cards ahead of this evening.

How should Middlesbrough line up against Coventry tonight?

There could be three changes from the side that started in the first leg last week.

Zak Steffen has been the main man between the sticks for the vast majority of the season and he looks unlikely to lose his spot after a rare clean sheet last time out.

In a similar vein, Carrick would perhaps be foolish to alter a defence that limited Coventry's attack, and perhaps most importantly Viktor Gyokeres, to very little in the 0-0 draw.

Therefore, Tommy Smith and Ryan Giles keep their place at right-back and left-back respectively, with Darragh Lenihan and Paddy McNair continuing their partnership in the heart of the defence.

There is one change from Carrick in the centre of midfield, as Matt Crooks could provide more physicality and more of a goal threat than Alex Mowatt, so he starts alongside Hayden Hackney in the middle of the park.

Equally, last week's game saw Marcus Forss make his return from injury and after hitting ten goals and five assists in the Championship this season, he comes in for Isaiah Jones on the right-hand side, with Riley McGree on the opposite flank.

The final change sees Chuba Akpom pushed into the central striker role in place of the "fantastic" Cameron Archer – as previously dubbed by Ryan Lowe – in order to accommodate the return of fellow Aston Villa loanee Aaron Ramsey, who could make his return from injury at the Riverside tonight.

Predicted Middlesbrough XI (4-2-3-1): Steffen, Smith, McNair, Lenihan, Giles, Crooks, Hackney, Forss, Ramsey, McGree, Akpom

In high spirits after the unexpected 3-0 whitewash in Tests, Sri Lanka wish to find similar joy in the one-day format, but are also looking well beyond the series at hand

Andrew Fidel Fernando in Colombo20-Aug-2016In high spirits after the unexpected 3-0 whitewash in Tests, Sri Lanka wish to find similar joy in the one-day format, but are also looking well beyond the series at hand. Coach Graham Ford has repeatedly said Sri Lanka are on the hunt for long-term players. Ahead of the first ODI, Angelo Mathews echoed those sentiments, as he prepares to lead another relatively youthful XI.”Our long-term goal is the 2019 World Cup, but we’ll try and take it series by series,” he said. “Winning is important, but trying to build up a team is also important – so we’ll try and strike a balance in that. We’ve got a very good mixture of experience and youth in the team. Most of them are newcomers – the likes of Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis. Except for a few players who have played 50-60 games, it is a very exciting time for us.”The youngest member of this squad is Avishka Fernando – an 18-year-old top-order batsman fresh from hitting consecutive hundreds against England Under-19s. Mathews suggested he is largely in the squad to gain a taste of the international environment, rather than as a genuine candidate for the playing XI – though he didn’t completely rule out a debut. Fernando is yet to play any first-class or List A matches.”Avishka looked really good in the centre yesterday,” Mathews said. “Most importantly we wanted to share that dressing room atmosphere and the experience with a younger player like him. Especially because we’re playing at home we have the advantage of bringing in an Under-19 player to share the dressing room with the likes of the Tillakaratne Dilshans and Dinesh Chandimals. That’s our main idea, but if there’s a chance he’ll play as well.”Among those to be recalled for this series is Thisara Perera, who had been bumped down to the Sri Lanka A team, but makes his way back to the national side despite modest performances even at the lower level. Mathews said it was Thisara’s bowling that the team considers his primary skill.”Thisara is a very important player,” Mathews said. “He hasn’t performed extremely well – the way he would have liked to, or we would have liked him to. But he’s a character who could turn things around at any given day with bat or ball. We’re hoping he’ll come good in this series. Our expectations of him are as a bowler, mainly.”With Thisara, Mathews, Dilshan, de Silva, Milinda Siriwardana and Seekkuge Prasanna all capable in both disciplines, the selectors have plenty of options to weigh up when settling on a final XI. Mathews said the Khettarama track is likely to take turn, which suggests the spin-bowling allrounders may be preferred.”We’ve got so many spinners to choose from, a good set of batters and a couple of fast bowlers,” he said. “We’re yet to decide whether we want to go with two spinners and two fast bowlers or three spinners and one fast bowler. We’ll come back tomorrow, take a look at the wicket, and then decide.”

Chelsea could be set to finally end their struggles in front of goal, spending big once again to secure one of the world's best up front…

What's the latest on Victor Osimhen to Chelsea?

That's according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, who took to Twitter to include the Blues in the race for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

He wrote: "News Osimhen: Chelsea is still pushing! They want him as their new striker! He’s top of the list. Understand there are price expectations about €110m + Boni at this stage. But CFC has to sell players first and De Laurentiis wants more and at least €150m. Problematic for Chelsea: No Champions League next season."

With these stumbling blocks including their lack of European football and that €110m (£96m) price tag, Todd Boehly will be wary of making such a move without widespread support from those around him.

However, given the success Mauricio Pochettino earned with Harry Kane, with the England international having earned his breakthrough and hit double figures in every full season under the Argentine at Tottenham Hotspur, he will surely want another star forward to spearhead his new revolution at Stamford Bridge.

Can Victor Osimhen mimic Erling Haaland at Chelsea?

In the Nigeria international, there are few strikers on the planet as desired as Osimhen.

After all, his exploits in firing the Naples outfit to their first Serie A title in 33 years were legendary, with the 24-year-old scoring 23 and assisting five more in just 30 appearances.

However, it is not just his goalscoring that has earned comparisons to Erling Haaland, who has enjoyed a record-breaking year of his own in front of goal, scoring 52 and counting in all competitions.

The two also share an immense physique, as well as blistering pace that would frighten any backline. FBref even notes this similarity, as the Norwegian finisher is included in the similar players model for Napoli's main man.

Given journalist Marco Messina suggested that the former LOSC Lille monster would be a "scary" prospect to play against too, this fear once again can be placed alongside Manchester City's number nine, who terrifies most defenders he faces.

As a comfortable leader in the race for the European Golden Shoe too, it is worth noting that the Lagos-born striker is only in fifth on such a list, further marking the 6 foot 1 finisher out as a worthy alternative to this free-scoring youngster.

With goals, physicality and an aura surrounding them both, Chelsea are in desperate need of a forward of this ilk to end their toothless nature in front of goal. The Blues have mustered just 36 goals in the Premier League, making them the fourth-lowest scorers in the division. If Osimhen's goal contributions were added, they would instead be catapulted to the seventh-highest.

This clearly outlines Pochettino's clear outstanding issue upon arrival, but one he can swiftly solve should he convince Boehly to make this swoop.

Manchester United are “advancing” towards completing a deal to sign Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Is Mason Mount leaving Chelsea?

The England international is an academy graduate at Stamford Bridge having worked his way up through the various youth ranks to become a regular feature of the first team, making 195 senior appearances to date.

However, the 24-year-old will be out of contract at the end of next season meaning that the upcoming window will be Todd Boehly’s final opportunity to cash in should he not want to risk losing his prized asset for free, and having turned down multiple fresh terms, an exit is likely.

Back in May, Sky Sports reported that despite interest from Premier League rivals Liverpool, Erik ten Hag’s side are the current frontrunners to secure his services having been the most attentive potential suitor, with The Athletic’s David Ornstein having since also confirmed that he’s personally leaning towards a switch to Old Trafford.

Are Man United signing Mount?

Writing in his column for CaughtOffside, Jacobs revealed that Man United are indeed progressing in negotiations to sign Mount, but urged people to remember that Chelsea's new manager Mauricio Pochettino could yet still make him change his mind. He said:

“The situation is different with Mason Mount, though. Chelsea will sell now if he doesn’t agree a new deal because the fee will prove important. Manchester United are advancing things. Liverpool and Arsenal remain interested.

“Manchester United’s starting valuation is around £15m lower than Chelsea want, should Mount not opt to stay. It’s also important to note, Mauricio Pochettino wants to keep Mount, but it remains to be seen whether he can influence things.”

Should Man United cash out on Mount?

According to Fabrizio Romano, Man United are “really pushing behind the scenes” for Mount, with Ten Hag personally wanting the player and confident of completing a move, so they are clearly serious about securing his services, and whilst his price tag remains to be seen, it could be wise for the hierarchy to splash the cash on bringing him to M16.

The Blues’ attacking midfielder, who pockets £80k-per-week, still managed to rack up nine goal contributions (six assists and three goals) across all competitions last season despite his spell on the sidelines, where he saw his performances rewarded with two man-of-the-match awards in the Premier League.

The World Cup participant also has the versatility to operate in seven different positions over the grass, including four in the midfield, out wide on both flanks and even at centre-forward which has seen him hailed the “complete” player by talent scout Jacek Kulig, so it would be a huge bonus for the boss should he be able to get this deal wrapped up in the weeks and months ahead.