After Bellingham, Liverpool now hearing that they’re not £70m player’s first choice

Liverpool are aware that Mason Mount has a preference to join Manchester United over them this summer.

Mount had reportedly been set as one of the Reds’ priorities in the upcoming transfer market. But after reports emerged yesterday that Manchester United are readying an offer for him, journalist David Ornstein says the 24-year-old is now leaning towards a move to Old Trafford instead.

“The sound that we’re getting is that despite Chelsea maybe trying to give it one last go and try and hopefully keep him it is very possible now that he’ll leave,” said the journalist via Football Daily. “As I understand it, the other clubs that are interested are aware of his preference and that there are talks expected between Manchester United and Chelsea in due course.

“That appears to be the direction of travel, but nothing is final, there’s no sort of firm decisions on where he’s going to end up yet. But I think it will start to gather pace now that the domestic season is ending.”

Orstein also says that, despite Chelsea valuing Mount at £85m, the deal is likely to be closer to £70m.

Liverpool handed Mount blow

This news is likely to divide opinion amongst supporters. Just like at Chelsea, Mount has proved to be a divisive figure for Liverpool.

Some were never behind the idea of him moving to Anfield. On the back of a really poor season for Chelsea, there are no doubt plenty who couldn’t understand Liverpool’s desire to bring him in. His price is also a pretty big elephant in the room.

But there will be others who are disappointed to see Mount slipping through the Reds’ fingers. On paper, the England man has all the attributes to slot nicely into what Jurgen Klopp wants from his No.8’s. With a year left on his deal he should be get-able this summer. A rare opportunity looks set to be missed.

Either way, what can’t be argued is that this will be a blow to Liverpool.

The reports linking them with a move for Mount as a priority this summer were copious and reliable. After missing out on their previous ‘top target’ – Jude Bellingham – they’re now zero for two heading into the window. That isn’t a great start.

Still, they’ll have to pick themselves up quickly. Klopp is said to want the majority of signings done by the time pre-season starts on July 8th.

At the moment, Alexis Mac Allister is looking good for that but more work needs to be done elsewhere.

So, having seen Bellingham and Mount now likely to fall, Liverpool will need a new priority in the market. Plenty of names have been thrown about, let’s see who rises to the top.

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