The transfer window has only been open a matter of weeks, and already the same old patterns are emerging with Manchester United's activity.
United have become known in the transfer market for their tendency to overpay for players, with eye-watering fees spent on the likes of Harry Maguire, Jadon Sancho, and Antony in recent seasons, and it seems that rival clubs have wised up to this.
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Mason Mount was among the players earmarked to arrive at Old Trafford this summer, with the English midfielder reportedly agreeing personal terms with Manchester United at the beginning of June.
Mason Mount in Champions League action for Chelsea (Photo: Shutterstock)
However, negotiations have dragged on and on, as Chelsea seek an enormous fee for their homegrown playmaker. Mount seems set on a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer, and Manchester appears to be his desired destination - but Chelsea are unwilling to sell to a direct rival unless they receive a significant fee.
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Negotiations have hit a stumbling block in recent days, with three separate bids (£40m, £50m, £55) from Manchester United for the player rejected by Chelsea, as the Blues hold out for a fee upwards of £65 million.
United officials are also reported to be unhappy with Chelsea's alleged leaking of negotiation details to the London press and, despite the desire of both Mount and United to get the deal over the line, it now looks as though it is at risk of falling apart.
With those rumours swirling, fresh reports in England suggest that Bayern Munich are set to enter the race for Mason Mount, and attempt to capitalise on the frosty negotiations.
Bayern reportedly look to usurp Manchester United's Mount pursuit
The Guardian reported on Saturday evening that Manchester United have grown frustrated with Chelsea's highballing of the fee for Mason Mount, and have switched their attention to alternatives such as Brighton's Moises Caicedo.
In that same report, Jacob Steinberg suggested that the stalemate in negotiations for Mount has left the door open for other clubs - and a reunion with his old manager Thomas Tuchel in Munich could be on the cards.
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Tuchel took charge of Bayern after the surprising departure of Julien Nagelsmann mid-season last year, and is said to be keen to bring Mount to the Allianz Arena.
Mount played under Tuchel when the German was manager of Chelsea from 2021 to 2022, winning the Champions League final under Tuchel's stewardship in 2021.
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Chelsea are understood to be open to accepting a lower offer for Mount from a non-Premier League club, though it is unclear whether Mount would be happy to leave England.
Mount's contract with Chelsea runs out in summer of 2024, and the Englishman has made clear to the club that he has no intention of signing an extension, meaning the club will be keen to avoid losing him on a free transfer next summer.
Whether that will force their hand in negotiations with Manchester United remains to be seen.
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