Portsmouth News

Mount future is still at Old Trafford – despite Villa speculatio­n

Spurs and Newcastle also linked with midfielder after highly frustratin­g debut United campaign

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Aston Villa-linked Mason Mount is not expected to leave Manchester United this summer as part of their anticipate­d squad overhaul. That’s according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano who is reporting the Red Devils have no plans to sell the midfielder they signed for £55m from Chelsea just 12 months ago.

The Italian also insisted the 25-year-old is ‘focused’ on establishi­ng himself as a key player under manager Erik ten Hag after a frustratin­g maiden campaign in the north west.

Commenting on Mount’s United situation after reports emerged that Villa, Spurs and Newcastle had all ‘held talks’ with the midfielder, Romano said: ‘Manchester

United are currently not planning to sell. Mount is only focused on Man United after unlucky first season and ready to do his best under Erik ten Hag this season. No plan to part ways.’

England internatio­nal Mount featured just 20 times in all competitio­ns for United last term following his move from Stamford Bridge. Injuries played a huge part in the Champions League winner’s frustratio­ns, with just five of those 20 appearance­s coming as Premier League starts.

The Portsmouth-born Pompey fan did feature in United’s FA Cup final win against Manchester City - a win that saved ten Hag from the sack, although that came as an 89thminute substitute.

A starting role in the Manchester United team for their opening pre-season game against Rosenborg suggests Mount is returning to full fitness.

Villa are in the process of overhaulin­g their own midfield ranks following the sale of Douglas Luiz to Juventus for £42m, plus the departures of Morgan Sanson and Tim Iroegbunam to Nice and Everton respective­ly.

Enzo Barreneche­a (Juventus) and Ross Barkely (Luton) have already been recruited, while Amadou Onana’s £50m move from Everton is yet to be completed.

Interest in Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher has been reported all summer, although that move is unlikely.

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