Man United 'add Mount to their list of midfield targets ahead of the summer'

Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount has emerged a key target for Manchester United ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports.

The Red Devils, who have made vast improvements under Erik ten Hag this season, are prepared to commit the majority of their transfer fund in pursuit of a new forward to partner in-form hitman Marcus Rashford, targeting Tottenham legend Harry Kane and Napoli goal-machine Victor Osimhen in particular.

However, it is believed the United chiefs are also hopeful of landing an additional attacking midfielder ahead of next season, keen to boost creativity in the engine room alongside stand-in captain Bruno Fernandes and defensive stalwart Casemiro.

Borussia Dortmund and England teenager Jude Bellingham, who is set to be hotly pursued by the likes of Real Madrid and Liverpool at the end of the season following a superb campaign in the Bundesliga, will likely command a monumental fee considering his age and superstar potential.

Despite crashing out of the Champions League in the wake of his side's last-16 defeat against Chelsea on Tuesday, Bellingham is playing a crucial role in Dortmund's title challenge this term and is a frontrunner to win Bundesliga Player of the Season.

Anticipating that they may indeed fall short in the race to sign Bellingham, Manchester United have reportedly eyed up fellow England international Mount as a cheaper alternative, according to the Guardian.

Sportsmail revealed in November that Mount, who remains locked in contract talks at Chelsea, rejected a £200,000-a-week deal at Stamford Bridge in the hope of landing a salary similar to the £300-a-week wage held by England team-mate Raheem Sterling, following his summer move from Manchester City.

Should Mount choose not to extend his Blues contract, which expires at the end of next season, United could feasibly lure the midfielder for a comparatively affordable transfer sum.

Meanwhile, although Osimhen is firmly on the Red Devils' radar, having bagged an incredible 21 goals in 24 league appearances with the Serie A leaders this campaign, Ten Hag is believed to be keener on Kane, given his proven track record in the Premier League.

Kane has been pivotal to Tottenham's chances of a top four finish this season, netting 18 times in 26 league matches, and is tipped to leave in the summer after yet another year in north London without silverware.

Not only did his chances of lifting the FA Cup evapourate following a shock exit to Sheffield United last month, the striker was also knocked out of the Champions League on Wednesday after suffering a 1-0 aggregate defeat by AC Milan, casting doubt over Antonio Conte's long-term future at the club.

Spurs' chairman Daniel Levy, who will be desperate to keep his star man at the club next season, is expected to demand an astronomical fee in a bid to fend off potential suitors this summer.

German giants Bayern Munich have also expressed interest in the 29-year-old, whose contract expires at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

Kane failed in his attempts to leave Tottenham for Manchester City two summers ago, missing out on the reigning champions' title success last season.