Fabrizio Romano has revealed a key 'issue' for Manchester United that could prevent them from signing Chelsea star Mason Mount this summer.
The Telegraph reported on Wednesday evening that United had agreed personal terms with Mount, whose contract at Stamford Bridge expires in the summer of 2024.
It was claimed that manager Erik ten Hag is 'confident' that he can convince the England international to move to Old Trafford, where he would be guaranteed to play Champions League football next season.
Advert
Chelsea appointed Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager earlier this week, but the Argentinian is likely to preside over a major rebuild this summer in order to reduce the size of a heavily bloated squad.
The Daily Mail claim that the Blues could sell up to 15 players, including homegrown talents, this summer.
One of the players that appears likely to leave is Mount, with United, Liverpool and Arsenal all credited with an interest in signing the 24-year-old midfielder.
Advert
But Romano has revealed that there is a key stumbling block for interested clubs to get around in order to attain Chelsea's go-ahead to buy the player.
Romano reveals Mount problem
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano has revealed that although Mount is 'keen' to join United, Chelsea have set an astronomical asking price for the midfielder, despite only having a year left on his current contract.
Blues co-owner Todd Boehly has led negotiations over a new deal, but an agreement is yet to be reached due to reported issues over his wage, bonuses and image rights payments.
Advert
Romano explained: "Manchester United are really optimistic on the agreement with the player.
"But the main problem, the main issue, is what is going on between Manchester United and Chelsea. More in general, between Mason Mount and Chelsea in terms of the value of the player.
"Mason Mount is out of contract next summer, but at this stage, Chelsea are still asking for at least £80 million for Mason Mount.
"The intention of Manchester United at the moment is to spend something close to £45-50 million, because the player is out of contract next summer. But for Chelsea, he is worth way more than this. There is a big gap between the two clubs, the negotiation is not easy.
Advert
"Poeple close to the negotiation feel that Chelsea are asking really big money, and they were expecting something different. Let's see how the conversation will continue, but at the moment it is not something easy between the two clubs on the player and club side."
Topics: Mason Mount, Manchester United, Chelsea, Erik Ten Hag, Fabrizio Romano, Premier League, Transfers