Todd Boehly makes Mason Mount contract decision after finding talks 'hard'

Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly has reportedly stepped away from contract talks with Blues star Mason Mount as the two parties have been unable to reach an agreement that would keep the England man at Stamford Bridge beyond his existing deal. The 24-year-old has less than 18 months left on his current contract and could leave the club in the summer, with several Premier League rivals said to be interested in his services.

Mount has been in discussions with Chelsea over a new deal prior to Boehly and co taking over last year, as he looks to be paid in line with several of the new acquisitions that have joined over the past 12 months. He is hoping to become one of the top earners at the club but Boehly may be hesitant to offer Mount that desired salary as the American appears to have found negotiations difficult.

The Telegraph have claimed that Boehly had initially been handling the negotiations, but has since passed the matter onto co-sporting director Paul Winstanley and recused himself from talks.

Former Brighton chief Winstanley was brought in before the World Cup and discussions have now been reset and there has been talk over them being postponed until the summer following an impasse.

Mount has sat out Chelsea's recent turnaround in form under Graham Potter due to injury, though had found himself out of the team while healthy after struggling to impress. He will, however, be hopeful of making a return for the Blues' clash with Everton on Saturday.

Mount may feature off the bench as Potter has recently found a settled side that has won the previous three games, meaning he could face a challenge to get back into the team. Mount will be aware that he has potential suitors should a decision be made for him to leave Chelsea, as the likes of Liverpool, Newcastle and Manchester United have been mentioned as potential landing spots should he wish to remain in England.

Potter admitted that the contract negotiations between Mount and Chelsea had become “complicated” after previously stating that he would not get involved in discussions. "Ultimately it is between the club and Mason," Potter said last week.

"I have spoken to him numerous times about his situation, football and life generally. My feelings for Mason are clear. He is a fantastic person firstly but sometimes these things happen. They are just complicated and it is best that I speak little about it, let them get on with it in deciding what is right for both parties.

“I am not naive. I know it is an important time for him and an important contract. These things have to be right for him and his family. It's important he makes a decision on that basis."