MASON MOUNT has turned down a £200,000 a week contract offer from Chelsea, according to reports.
The England midfielder has just 18 months left on his deal at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues opened talks in September hoping to conclude things swiftly.
But according to the Mail, Chelsea and Mount remain a long way apart in their valuations.
The 23-year-old’s fellow Cobham academy graduate Reece James agreed a new deal worth £250,000 a week earlier this season.
But Mount, who currently earns £85,000 a week, wants parity with Three Lions team-mate Raheem Sterling.
The winger, 27, moved to Stamford Bridge last summer on a deal reportedly worth £300,000 a week.
Having established himself as a key man in West London and the club’s Player of the Year for the last two seasons running, Mount feels he deserves to be among their top earners.
And a successful World Cup could also help to raise his stock.
Mount was in great form as he helped England thrash Iran 6-2 on Monday, although endured a less successful evening during the 0-0 draw with the USA.
HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
Amid Mount’s contract uncertainty, Liverpool and Juventus are reportedly interested.
Earlier this week, the Three Lions star enjoyed a heartwarming moment off the pitch – meeting his three-year-old niece Poppy for the first time.
The England star’s sister Stacey lives in Australia, a country that has been under strict Covid restrictions for much of the last few years.
Mount was reunited with Stacey after Monday’s victory over Iran.
After the thumping win, manager Gareth Southgate allowed his players to mingle with their loved ones in the stands.
It was then that a beaming Mount was able to see his sibling and meet his little niece Poppy.
And Mount grinned from ear-to-ear as he was finally able to give Poppy a hug.
