Chelsea told to make 'tactical' decision on Mason Mount contract to secure top transfer target

Chelsea have been asked to 'tactically' offer Mason Mount a new contract in a bid to secure a deal for their top target.

Mount's current contract at Stamford Bridge expires in 18 months and although the Blues Academy graduate is keen to stay in west London, talks over an extension have reached a stalemate.

Todd Boehly hates losing Mount, whom he sees as a future Chelsea captain, and wants to reward his consistent performance with a new, improved contract.

But Mount is currently among the club's lowest earners and wants a deal reflecting his importance to the team, which has so far not been agreed.

But former Chelsea full-back Glen Johnson doesn't think Mount is worth the £300,000 a week he would seek.

"I don't think he's [Mount] gotten to the level of demanding £300,000 a week," Johnson told Metro. "Obviously he's a good player and Chelsea won't want to lose him, but you can't be hostage to anyone. I can't imagine him being the kind of guy who would give up his tools if he didn't get £300,000 a week.

"He doesn't seem like that kind of guy. I don't believe that's true, so I think they'll work it out eventually."

Johnson also believes securing Mount's future could persuade fellow England international and best friend Declan Rice to move to Stamford Bridge.

Johnson added: "Chelsea may have to keep Mount tactically if they also want to sign Declan Rice."

Rice's contract at West Ham expires in 2025, with the club having an option for a further 12 months, but he has recently made clearer his desire to play at the highest level and could return to Chelsea, where he previously worked. the academy with Mount .

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano indicated last month that he expects Rice to leave this summer.

"I announced last summer that Declan Rice was not going to sign a new contract with West Ham and that's still the case; no deal, so there's a good chance Declan will leave this summer,” Romano said.

"I am not yet sure of the price, as West Ham have not decided yet and they are still convinced that the price has the possibility of extending the contract for another year."

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