Liverpool will reportedly be front of the queue to sign Mason Mount this summer if he fails to agree a new Chelsea deal.
During his Chelsea career, Mount has made 192 appearances across all competitions, scoring 33 goals and providing 37 assists.
Although he has been with the Blues since the age of six, Mount's long-term future at the club is currently the centre of widespread speculation.
The Chelsea academy graduate has less than 18 months left on his current contract and talks over a new deal have failed to make significant progress.
Mount is believed to be looking to treble his reported £80,000-a-week wages, which would bring him in line with the club's highest earners.
With Chelsea unable to make headway in contract talks, the Blues have decided to pause negotiations over a new deal until the end of the season.
If the two parties fail to find a solution, Chelsea may decide to listen to offers as they look to avoid a situation where Mount leaves on a free transfer in the summer of 2024.
Should the Blues elect to sanction a sale, the Daily Mail are reporting that Liverpool will be leading the race to secure Mount's signature.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita are expected to leave Anfield when their respective deals expire at the end of the season, while James Milner is also out of contract in the summer.
As a result, Liverpool will be looking to strengthen their midfield ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, with Mount regarded as a possible target.
The report states that Liverpool remain in the running for Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham, who is currently attracting interest from a number of Europe's biggest clubs.
Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Matheus Nunes is also on Liverpool's radar, having impressed in his 21 Premier League appearances since completing a £38m move from Sporting Lisbon last summer.
Mount, meanwhile, is also attracting interest from Manchester United, while Newcastle United have been linked with the England international.
The 24-year-old has scored three goals and provided six assists in 32 competitive appearances this season, but he had to settle for a role as a substitute during last Sunday's 2-0 defeat to London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Chelsea currently occupy 10th place in the Premier League table, and they will be aiming to end a six-game winless run in all competitions when they face Leeds United on Saturday. body check tags ::
