Manchester United have bid for Chelsea star rejected

England will be hoping to move a step closer to qualifying for Euro 2024 when they face Malta on Friday. 

Gareth Southgate’s side have so far beaten both Italy and Ukraine and are on course to qualify for the tournament next year.

The games against Malta and North Macedonia three days later could give Southgate the chance to hand game time to some of the fringe players in the squad, as well as the likes of Eberechi Eze who is involved in the senior setup for the first time.

One player that won’t be involved, though, is Mason Mount, who wasn’t included in Southgate’s squad for the two matches having missed the final weeks of the season through injury.

The Chelsea star hasn’t played since the middle of April, and it looks increasingly likely that he may leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

Now, one of Chelsea’s biggest rivals are reported to have made an offer for the midfielder.

As per The Telegraph, Manchester United have had an initial £40 million offer for Mount rejected by Chelsea.

The 24-year-old has been one of Chelsea’s most important players in recent seasons but his contract is set to expire next summer and talks over an extension have failed to produce anything.

Mount could join Manchester United this summer

Chelsea are therefore considering selling the player this summer rather than losing him for free next year, but the Blues are reportedly holding out for a fee in the region of £70 million.

Despite having their first offer for the player rejected, the Red Devils are reportedly confident that Mount will not sign an extension with Chelsea.

Having made his senior debut for the club back in 2019, Mount has now made 195 appearances for the Blues, scoring 33 goals and providing 37 assists.

The report claims that Chelsea would be open to the idea of reopening talks with Mount over a proposed contract extension, but it appears increasingly likely that the England international will depart Stamford Bridge this summer.

New Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is said to be keen to keep Mount, but the situation may be out of his control.