Frank Lampard admits uncertainty over Mason Mount’s future at Chelsea

Frank Lampard has admitted Mason Mount faces a ‘tough’ decision over his future at Chelsea.

Midfielder Mount enters the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge and despite becoming a firm favorite after growing through the ranks at the club he joined aged just six, it looks increasingly likely that he will be at the end of the season will leave.

Mount’s camp and figures at Chelsea have been in talks over a new deal for much of the campaign and an agreement has yet to be reached. As a result, the England international is now expected to leave with interest from United, Arsenal and Liverpool.

But Lampard, who gave Mount his first-team debut during his first spell as Blues manager in 2019, has refused to give his player advice, admitting instead that the current deadlock could see the talented 24-year-old opting for a move.

“I think it’s a tricky situation,” he said Sky Sports.

Interim Blues boss Lampard insisted the club “do what they can” to convince him to stay

“From working with Mason and other players when I was here before, they’ve either become very important players for the club who have a real relationship with the fans, back and forth, because they really feel the club when they’ve been sitting since my eighth at the academy.

“And some of them have moved on to other clubs and the club has done well there. They have moved on and you have wished them well in their careers.

“I think with Mason in particular, as an individual, I don’t know what the solution will be, because it’s a club and Mason issue.

“Personally, I don’t know exactly where Mason is. He has one year left on his contract. I know he is highly regarded at the club and I know the club is doing everything they can to keep him.

“But I also think with Mason, I would never want to stand here in modern times talking about what a player should do because they’re all going to see it with their own eyes.

“It used to be, ‘why are you leaving the club?’ In modern times, players move on. It’s a pity that we’ve ended up in a situation where it looks like it’s happening now.’

Mount has endured a difficult campaign but is wanted by a number of Premier League sides

Mail Sport revealed that Manchester United are also interested in West Ham captain Declan Rice

If no extension is agreed, Mount could start negotiating with other clubs from early next year. However, Chelsea would like to sell him this summer to avoid losing one of their valuable assets for free.

As reported yesterday by Mail Sport, United are set to launch a £55m move for Mount, who is a key target for boss Erik ten Hag ahead of the next campaign.

Old Trafford sources have indicated talks are about to begin, although United are willing to pay a fee of £30m which is below Chelsea’s hefty £85m.

United are also interested in West Ham midfielder Declan Rice. It is thought that a fee of around £100 million would be enough to entice his club to sack him.

However, Arsenal are believed to be furthest advanced in their pursuit.