Manchester United head coach Erik Ten Hag has set his sights on Chelsea’s midfielder Mason Mount as a part of the upcoming transfer window dealings. The Chelsea boy, who has another year of contract at Stamford Bridge, indicated he’d like a new challenge – and United are set to provide one. The Old Trafford club is expected to make a formal offer to the Blues and have already had a few phone calls with Mason’s representatives.Stamford Bridge exodus: 300,000,000 euros worth of players leaving?Media in England claim that Mount’s personal terms wouldn’t be an issue for United but that arranging a fee with Chelsea could present the only obstacle. However, with Mason’s contract entering its final year, Chelsea cannot afford to haggle too much over the transfer fee. The 24-year-old, a Chelsea academy graduate, has lifted the Champions League and Club World Cup since breaking into the senior team. The 36-times England international also featured in three successive FA Cup finals and a League Cup final last year – losing all four of those games.Mount last played for the Blues in April before undergoing surgery on a pelvic injury. He appeared to be saying goodbye to Stamford Bridge last weekend as Chelsea concluded a terrible season with a 1-1 draw with Newcastle.🚨 Mason Mount to Manchester United update from @skysports_sheth #mufc #mujournal[@footballdaily] pic.twitter.com/MRDnbGzT37— United Journal (@theutdjournal) June 1, 2023 Mason’s arrival to United would pave the way for 30–year-old Brazilian Fred to leave after a largely underwhelming five-year stint at the club. The arrivals of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen reduced Fred’s involvement with the first team. He started just 22 of the 61 matches played, the fewest since his maiden season in England. However, he has made the third-most overall appearances in a United shirt this season and is the only outfield player to have been included in every single matchday squad. ##NAJAVA_MECA_7292178##Fred has had his highlights this season, notably in the win over Barcelona. Still, his inability to make a difference in the final third has been a problem for the ambitious coach. Fulham have been mentioned as potential suitors for the 32-caps Brazilian international.Ten Hag warns the management: Others are bringing in reinforcements, we are not investingAnother player who looks sure to leave United is academy graduate Anthony Elanga. The quick winger can’t get a game so the club will likely sell him for a cut price of around $10 million. If you add the likely departure of captain Harry Maguire or long-serving goalie David De Gea into the mix, it could be a busy transfer window in the red half of Manchester.
