After more than a fortnight, since Liverpool last played a competitive fixture, anticipation is building ahead of Saturday’s lunchtime clash with Manchester City.
The Reds face three challenging games in the space of just eight days as they look to hunt down a Champions League spot. Luis Díaz is close to a return after a long period out injured. Thiago Alcântara will not be making a return as he is suffering from a hip flexor injury.
One man who could be lining up alongside Thiago next season is Chelsea’s, Mason Mount. The England international is coming into the last year of his contract and is believed to be looking at other options.
On the latest episode of our Journo Insight Show, we asked Neil for his latest thoughts on the Mount rumours.
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Neil said: “There are obviously a lot of question marks around Chelsea in summer. There was a story earlier in the week or at the weekend about them. I think it was described as a ‘fire sale’ in terms of having to get players off the books.
“He’s been one of their more consistent performers, current England international. To sell him to someone like Liverpool I think would be seen as a major, major call from Chelsea, but I don’t think they could even countenance the idea of letting him run his contract down.
“£70million for a player with one year left on his deal and a player who isn’t viewed by them as one of their top earners and one of that top players clearly – I don’t think that’s realistic for Chelsea. I think he’ll be a lot less than that if they were to sell him.
“He might not be seen as the most glamorous player, maybe just in the wider public. I think he’s seen as more of a manager’s player as opposed to one that the fans will really get out for, but he’s got a lot of fans with the game. I know Liverpool in the past have been really impressed by him.”
REDMEN REACTS
A few months have passed since links to Mount first emerged and a contract still has not been signed. Increased midfield competition and a probable need to move players on after this season’s massive transfer investment add credence to the idea that the 24-year-old could be set to leave Chelsea this summer.
The west London side should be in a relatively weak bargaining position given their need to move players on, so their asking price of around £70million seems unrealistic. Mount would add some much-needed athleticism and tactical nous to the Liverpool midfield. He is known for his ability to follow his manager’s instructions even if this does not make for the most eye-catching performances. Jürgen Klopp would love to have the England international who was hailed as ‘unbelievable’ by ex-Red attacker Joe Cole in 2021.
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