AHEAD OF THE GAME

MASON’S VALUE MOUNTING AS HE REJECTS INITIAL CHELSEA OFFER

Mason Mount rejected a new contract at Chelsea worth more than £200,000 a week before flying out to the World Cup, in a calculated gamble that could pay off spectacularly if he enjoys a successful tournament. Chelsea agreed to put negotiations on hold for the duration of the tournament, but there is unlikely to be a swift breakthrough when they resume after Christmas because the two parties remain a long way apart. and that gap could increase if Mount continues to impress, as he did in England’s 6-2 win over Iran.

Mount’s representatives are believed to be seeking a contract similar to Raheem sterling, who was given a £300,000-a-week deal on signing from Manchester City last summer. Chelsea’s offers to Mount have been considerably lower than that. the Blues had hoped to secure a quick agreement when opening contract talks with Mount and Reece James in september, but whereas the defender agreed a new six-year deal worth £250,000 a week, negotiations with his team-mate have been more protracted.

Mount’s apparent reluctance to sign is a concern for Chelsea, because he has just 18 months left on his deal. that will limit his transfer value, despite interest from Liverpool and Juventus. the 23-year-old is one of the lowest-paid players in Graham Potter’s squad on around £85,000 a week, because he has not signed a contract since shortly after he returned from a loan spell at Derby three years ago, when he had yet to establish himself as a Chelsea first-team regular.