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Manchester United have had a £40m offer for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount rejected, according to Sky Sports.

What’s the latest Man United transfer news involving Mount?

The Red Devils have been heavily linked with a move for the England international in recent weeks, with Mount entering the final 12 months of his Stamford Bridge contract.

Reports suggested at the beginning of the month that personal terms were agreed between United and the player ahead of an Old Trafford transfer, with United making an approach days later.

However, United’s Premier League rivals have set a whopping £70m transfer valuation on Mount’s shoulders, but that hasn’t stopped the Red Devils making a big money offer below that asking price.

According to Sky Sports, Manchester United have made a £40m offer for Mount which has been "immediately rejected". There is a feeling that Mount wants to make the move to join Erik ten Hag’s side, however, there is a gap in valuations and United would be willing to walk away from a deal if a fee cannot be agreed.

How much is Mason Mount worth?

Chelsea have placed a £70m price tag on Mount, however, his Transfermarkt valuation stands at €65m (£55m). Meanwhile, Football Transfers have his value at €68.9m (£58.9m), and due to his contract situation, a £70m asking price seems high.

Should United and Chelsea reach an agreement, though, Mount, on £80,000-a-week, could be a shrewd addition. Dubbed a "mad player" by Red Devils legend Rio Ferdinand, Mount is primarily an attacking midfielder but can also play in a deeper role so could provide competition to Bruno Fernandes.

Sky Sports’ Paul Merson can’t believe that Mount could be leaving the Blues, so their loss could be United’s gain in the long run.

"I cannot believe Chelsea are letting Mason Mount go. We saw it last season with Antonio Rudiger, who was outstanding and one of the best defenders at the club. He asked for more money and they didn't give him it and then they buy Kalidou Koulibaly for £33m on a four-year contract which works out as more money than what they'd give Rudiger.

"Now they're doing it with Mount. He's one of their own, he hasn't had a very good season but they're judging it just on one season. The year before he was Chelsea's best player. He was one of the first names on the teamsheet for England. Now they're letting him go. It's mind-blowing.”

A move could still be one to keep an eye on, but with an agreement over a fee proving to be tricky, United may end up putting a move on hold for now.

For all the disappointment of Saturday's FA Cup final defeat, Manchester United can reflect upon what was largely a positive campaign under Erik ten Hag, with the Dutchman having steered the club to Champions League qualification and Carabao Cup glory in his first season at the helm.

The United players appear to have benefitted from the arrival of the former Ajax boss, with Marcus Rashford, in particular, having looked rejuvenated after netting career-best figures of 30 goals in all competitions – after scoring just five goals in the previous campaign.

Another major success story for the 53-year-old has been that of teenage winger, Alejandro Garnacho, with the young showman enjoying a real breakout campaign after bagging five goals and five assists in 34 appearances across all fronts.

Having initially caught the eye after playing a key role in the club's FA Youth Cup success in the 2021/22 season – having netted twice in the showpiece win at Old Trafford – the 18-year-old has shaken off early concerns over his attitude to establish himself as a vital part of the Red Devils squad, notably being hailed as a "game changer" off the bench by journalist Samuel Luckhurst.

How much is Garnacho worth now?

That early promise has shown just what a bargain it was to snap up the Argentina international for a minimal fee of just £100k from Atletico Madrid back in 2020, with transfer insider Dean Jones suggesting that the Madrid-born starlet could now be worth in the region of £50m.

Asked about the wide man's current worth – in an interview with Football Fancast – the respected source stated:

"You've just got to compare to what players are worth in that position. Almost immediately – as a player that's playing in the first team at Man United, getting outings – as an exciting player, you're straightaway worth £50m. There's not really any question about that.

"So Garnacho will already be in that bracket. So how high can he go? That's the question."

As Jones alluded to, it remains to be seen if the "dangerous" asset – as hailed by club legend Paul Scholes – can kick on over the coming years, although it is clear to see that the 5 foot 11 ace is already being tipped for big things despite his relative youth.

Argentina legend Mario Kempes has notably hailed the "personality" of the teen speedster, while also going as far as to state that Garnacho "reminds him of [Kylian] Mbappe".

While that may be a bold comparison to make, the fact that the United ace is already making an impact at such a young age is a testament to his quality, with Mbappe – who now boasts 239 club career goals – notably making his Monaco debut at the age of just 16 back in 2015.

Somewhat like the 24-year-old Frenchman – who scored a hat-trick in last year's World Cup final – Garnacho has also shown he can be the man of the big occasion, having netted away to Leeds United at Elland Road, while also popping up with an assist in the victory over Manchester City back in January.

Even in the recent meeting with City at Wembley, the exciting prospect showed no signs of nerves after entering the fray late on, having 'looked like United's only hope' in the second half, according to GOAL's Richard Martin.

To think that just a year on from his FA Youth Cup heroics the youngster is now something of a difference-maker in the first-team is truly impressive, with that £50m price tag arguably more than justified.

Manchester United will be confident that they can tie down Marcus Rashford on a new deal for the coming years at Old Trafford, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest news involving Marcus Rashford?

Cited by Viaplay quoted by The Manchester Evening News, Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag has signalled that he expects Rashford to renew his £200k-a-week contract at Old Trafford, which is set to run out in the summer of 2024. The 53-year-old said: "I expect Marcus Rashford to renew. He wants it. Manchester United wants it. He is a child of this club, so I assume this will happen."

The Red Devils are said to be making 'good progress' in their efforts to extend the 25-year-old's stay at Old Trafford and could make him Manchester United's best-paid player to ensure he stays at his boyhood club, as per The Telegraph.

Rashford has enjoyed a fantastic season at Manchester United and has been recognised for his consistent performances, being awarded Manchester United's Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year award.

In 2022/23, the England international has racked up 30 goals and 11 assists in 50 appearances across all competitions for the Red Devils, as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones thinks that Manchester United will offer Rashford a contract that will reflect his status as a key player at the club.

Jones said: "They need to build around Rashford, they need to make sure that he is somebody the crowd can attach to; you've got to have that when building a project like this.

"Rashford doesn't want to leave, he's never wanted to leave, but it's just a case of making sure that he gets the right deal for where he is in his career right now. So I think the excitement will be pretty big.”

Should Manchester United build their team around Marcus Rashford?

It's hard to argue otherwise given his contribution to Manchester United this term and Ten Hag will be keen to see more of the same from his star man in 2023/24.

The Dutchman has tipped Rashford to hit the 40-goal mark next season, as per The Independent, stating: he can improve but I am happy from where he was last season to what he did now, that he brings himself back. We supported him where we could, with the way of play but also in his mental mindset, so we are happy with that. But, yeah, we have to push for more and I am sure he’s capable to score 40 goals in a season, to make also for him the next step.”

WhoScored note that Rashford has been Manchester United's third-most consistent performer behind Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, earning an average match rating of 7.08/10 for his performances.

Rashford has also recorded 120 shot-creating actions in all competitions, as per FBRef, demonstrating his ability to be a chance provided as well as a goalscorer.

It is clear there is more to come from Rashford and Manchester United fans will be desperate to see him sign a new deal at Old Trafford.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou could dip into the market in the summer transfer to bolster his squad in spite of their domestic success this season.

The Hoops can complete the treble on Saturday if they beat Inverness in the final of the Scottish Cup, after already securing the League Cup and the Scottish Premiership.

However, they are reportedly looking to bolster their attack and midfield in the coming months ahead of the 2023/24 campaign and winger Ryotaro Ito is said to be a target.

The Daily Record claimed that the Albirex Niigata talent is one of the names on Postecoglou's radar heading into the transfer window, as the head coach looks to raid Japan once more.

Celtic's manager could now brutally ditch winger Liel Abada from Parkhead by swooping for Ito as the 25-year-old arriving in Scotland would open the door for a player in the forward areas to depart.

In April, Football Insider reported that the Hoops could cash in on the attacker this summer and that they could rake in a fee of up to £10m for his services.

How has Liel Abada performed this season?

The 21-year-old scored ten goals and provided five assists in 34 appearances in the Premiership and failed to contribute directly to a goal in five outings in the Champions League.

He averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.01 and created 1.1 chances per game in the Scottish top-flight and these statistics show that the wizard was a consistent threat for the Hoops domestically.

The dynamo provided a big goal threat and regularly provided his teammates with opportunities to score from, which shows that the youngster made a significant impact in the final third for Postecoglou.

However, Ito, who can play out wide or through the middle, could come in as a potential upgrade on the Israel international, which would allow the club to bin the current Hoops star.

Who is Ryotaro Ito?

He is a 25-year-old phenomenon who has been in exceptional form in the J1 League in 2023 since earning promotion from the second tier in 2022.

Ito has racked up seven goals and two assists in 15 appearances in the division. The whiz has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.47 and created an eye-catching 3.2 chances per match, which shows that the gem is capable of slicing open the opposition's defence multiple times in each game.

Japanese author Yatao hailed the maestro as a "tremendous talent" and that comment is backed up by the attacking midfielder's sensational form in the J1 League.

Ito has proven himself capable of scoring goals and creating chances on a regular basis whilst maintaining a high standard with his average performance level.

This means that Postecoglou could ditch Abada this summer and not have to worry about losing his production in the final third as the Niigata star could come in and offer more at the top end of the pitch if he is able to adapt to Scottish football.

West Ham United have reportedly been in contact with the representatives of Borussia Monchengladbach forward Alassane Plea.

What’s the latest West Ham transfer news?

The Hammers are currently preparing for a Europa Conference League Final against Fiorentina, although they have to negotiate a Premier League game against Leicester City prior to the trip to Prague.

However, it looks as if the club are already eyeing up possible new signings ahead of the 2023/24 season, even though David Moyes’ future appears to be up in the air.

Sporting director Mark Noble also looks set to step down with the Hammers on the hunt for a new director of football to fix their transfer shortcomings. A new man is yet to be appointed, but despite this, it appears as if those at the London Stadium have made a first move to sign Plea.

According to Foot Mercato, West Ham are one of three London-based sides to have made contact with Plea’s entourage. The report states that both Crystal Palace and Fulham have made an approach, however, the forward is currently favouring a move to France, with former side Lyon also named in the update.

Who is Alassane Plea?

Plea is 30 years of age and is primarily a left-winger who can play as a centre-forward or attacking midfielder if required. The Frenchman has been on the books with Monchengladbach since 2018, turning out on 173 occasions for his current employers, contributing to 90 goals.

Known for his pace and versatility, Max Eberl said this about Plea when he signed for Monchengladbach in 2018:

"He’s a versatile, quick and clever forward who has put his talent on full display in Ligue 1."

Meanwhile, Monchengladbach legend Gunter Netzer hailed both Plea and teammate Marcus Thuram as “extraordinary”. The Hammers have two left-wingers on the books in Said Benrahma and Maxwel Cornet and one right-winger in Jarrod Bowen, so the club may feel they need another wide forward ahead of the new season, and with Plea’s ability to play in a central role, it could be a shrewd move.

However, with West Ham facing plenty of competition for Plea's services and the player’s preference not a move to England at this moment in time, a transfer may prove to be difficult.

A huge development has emerged in Manchester United’s ploy to bring Frenkie de Jong to Old Trafford this summer.

What’s the word?

De Jong has emerged as a target for new manager Erik ten Hag over the last few weeks as the former Ajax boss aims to reunite himself with the Dutch maestro.

No official bid has been submitted yet but the club are now in contact to sign the 25-year-old this summer.

Speaking on YouTube channel, Romano said:

“I have an update for you after a check I had in the last few hours. Frenkie de Jong spoke in public in the last 24 hours and said again that he has no intention to leave Barcelona. But what I can tell you is that after some checks, Barcelona and Manchester United are in direct contact for Frenkie de Jong.

“There is still no official bid from Manchester United. They are still discussing, speaking, there is no official proposal yet. It could happen in the coming hours or days. For sure, Manchester United have intention to act soon for Frenkie de Jong. They really want to complete this transfer this summer. The fee, from what I’m told is around €85m (72.4m). This could be the price tag to sign the Dutch midfielder.”

Exciting times for Man United

Manchester United now have the price they need to bring De Jong to the Premier League this summer.

Although not necessarily a breakthrough in proceedings, it should excite the Old Trafford faithful considerably that the two teams are now in talks regarding a potential deal.

With confirmation arriving on Wednesday that Paul Pogba is set to depart, bringing in a new central midfielder is simply of utmost importance.

A player as good as De Jong would be a fine way to replace him too.

A quick look at FB Ref’s similar player model puts the Dutch dynamo in fine company, with the player comparable in playstyle to the likes of Luka Modric, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva.

He is blessed with a wonderful range of passing, with de Jong registering a success rate of 91.3% for Barca in La Liga this season.

To compare that to the United squad throughout 2021/22, he ranks higher than any player to start a game for the Red Devils in the Premier League.

A safe pair of hands in the middle of the park is exactly what ten Hag needs to start his rebuild and it’s evident he’d be an upgrade on the likes of Scott McTominay and Fred.

He makes more key passes per match (1.3) than the pair of them – a statistic that would place him fourth in the United side – and he also completes 1.6 dribbles a game. Once more that’s a number that betters United’s midfield options and again places him fourth compared to ten Hag’s squad.

With that in mind, it’s clear to see that he’d offer a great deal more in the centre for the Premier League side, an eventuality that should leave fans excited at the prospect of him arriving in England this summer.

AND in other news, MUFC can sign their answer to Haaland in “magical” £222k-p/w gem who’s “like Maradona”…

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has been left wowed by some Everton transfer news involving Conor Gallagher.

The Lowdown: Gallagher interest

As per The Daily Star, the Goodison Park outfit are just one of a number of clubs who are interested in signing Gallagher this summer.

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He has now returned to Chelsea from his impressive loan spell at Crystal Palace, where he scored eight goals and made a further five assists in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: O’Rourke wowed

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, O’Rourke was left wowed by the prospect of Gallagher joining the Toffees, claiming that it would be a ‘huge signing’ for them, while also drawing comparisons with Mason Mount:

“You can see similarities though slightly different players. You’d say Mason Mount’s more of an attacking midfielder, but I think Conor Gallagher’s had an outstanding season for Crystal Palace. If Everton were to get him, he would be a huge signing for them.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Even though he only spent one season at Selhurst Park, Gallagher instantly became a favourite with the supporters.

His performances earned him a call-up to the England squad by Gareth Southgate, and he has since recorded three senior caps for the Three Lions.

The comparisons with Mount are warranted, as he too made a name for himself out on loan, before developing into a star at Chelsea and becoming a full England international as well.

Nonetheless, there is bound to be plenty of interest in Gallagher once the transfer window heats up, and so Frank Lampard’s team need to make sure that they are the first in line for his signature.

In other news, find out what significant financial update involving the Blues has now emerged here!

Leeds United takeover plans will be put on hold if the Whites suffer relegation this weekend, The Daily Mail report.

The Lowdown: 49ers option

49ers Enterprises currently hold a 44% stake at Elland Road, which is still majority-owned by Andrea Radrizzani.

The Italian purchased Leeds for £45m back in 2017 and agreed on a deal with 49ers Enterprises back in December over a possible full takeover.

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A full takeover by 49ers Enterprises could be worth £475m in total, however, with Jesse Marsch’s side on the verge of relegation, it looks as if any deal could be put on hold.

The Latest: Takeover claim

In a story late on Wednesday evening, The Daily Mail’s Mike Keegan looked at what possible relegation could mean for Leeds.

The reliable reporter said that the Whites would be in a ‘decent position financially’, with the majority of players having a 50 per cent pay cut.

Keegan added however that long term projects, such as selling the club, would need to be put on hold.

The Verdict: Imminent return needed

The Whites know that a defeat to Brentford on Sunday will send them back down to the Championship and will seemingly have a major knock-on effect off the pitch, with players like Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha expected to leave thanks to relegation clauses.

49ers Enterprises have the option to take full control from Radrizzani until January 2024. Therefore, you’d expect that Leeds, should they go down, will need to bounce straight back up ahead of the 2023/23 campaign for a full takeover to have any chance of still going through.

In other news: Orta now finally set to accept defeat as Leeds plot exit for Bielsa ‘mistake’ – opinion. 

Leeds United employee Noel Whelan has backed Joe Gelhardt to play a leading role against Brighton in their crucial Premier League match this afternoon. 

The lowdown: Leeds bereft of options

Already likely to be without talismanic striker Patrick Bamford after Jesse Marsch confirmed that the 28-year-old was still being ‘assessed’ during Friday’s pre-match press conference, Dan James’ suspension leaves the Whites with little in the way of attacking options.

Rodrigo completed 90 minutes in midweek against Chelsea but the Spaniard can also play in deeper roles, whilst winger Jack Harrison was added to the injury list as Leeds succumbed to a 3-0 victory at Elland Road.

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Gelhardt was chosen to lead the line recently against Arsenal before being withdrawn when Luke Ayling saw red inside the opening half-hour, and Whelan has backed the 20-year-old to be handed another opportunity…

The latest: Whelan wants Gelhardt to start

Speaking to Football Insider, the Leeds ambassador urged Marsch to opt for a more ‘natural’ centre-forward option for today’s clash against Graham Potter’s side.

The 47-year-old said: “It’s very difficult as a young player to come into any squad when you’re on the back of defeats. It’s a lot to carry on your shoulders and a lot of responsibility.

“It’s made more difficult with the injuries and the sending offs. We’re losing that experience, we’re losing players. Dan James, Luke Ayling, Stuart Dallas, Adam Forshaw, that is a huge amount of experience in these last few games we’re missing. I hope it doesn’t hurt us, I hope somebody steps into their shoes and becomes that leader. Probably a little bit earlier than they expected.

“We’ve not had a natural goalscoring striker, a number nine, all season. That’s been difficult for us. Whoever’s played there has found it quite difficult to play that number nine role. In my opinion, Gelhardt is the more natural number nine.

“He is as close as to a number nine as we’ve got at that football club and I believe he’s got to start. There’s nothing in my mind that says that kid will not thrive against Brighton. I think he can take all the responsibility, he’s got that maturity about him in his game.

“We need captains and leaders out there. It might come a little early for some but they need to rise to this challenge.”

The verdict: Time to step up

Already a match-winning hero with a late goal against Norwich City earlier in the campaign, Gelhardt may need to come to the fore once again when Leeds need him most of all.

So far this season, the Liverpudlian starlet – who was described as ‘astonishing’ by talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham – has scored twice and provided three assists in 18 Premier League outings, impressing for the most part given his tender years.

However, it’s for the Whites’ under-23s that Gelhardt has mainly flourished, netting seven goals in just 10 matches at that level, and Marsch would be well served to turn to someone with such a clinical nature for a pivotal final two games for Leeds.

Alternatively, the American could stand firm with Rodrigo or gamble on another youngster in Sam Greenwood, but whichever way the boss turns today, the Elland Road faithful could be looking for an out-of-sorts Raphinha to return to form.

In other news: Phil Hay claims Orta now wants to sign ‘unbelievable’ ace even if Leeds go down; club green-light sale

According to Tottenham Hotspur insider John Wenham, the club should not attempt to sign ‘world class’ Villarreal centre-back Pau Torres this summer if it means that Eric Dier or Cristian Romero have to drop to the bench.

The Lowdown: Torres available for transfer

The 25-year-old has recently been linked with a move away from the Spanish giants, despite still having two years remaining on his current contract, with Football Insider revealing just last month that Antonio Conte’s outfit are believed to be keeping tabs on the defender ahead of the start of next season.

In a new update, a recruitment source is since claimed to have told the same site that Villarreal are now expecting to cash in on Torres as a result of the club’s immediate need to raise cash, which has increased Spurs’ confidence that they can get a deal in the region of £45m over the line.

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The Latest: A world-class signing

Wenham, who regularly breaks fresh Spurs news, admitted that he would be happy for the 17-cap international to arrive in north London, as long as it would be for a ‘smaller’ fee.

In reaction to the plummeting price tag, he told Football Insider: “I don’t see the need to get this deal done as soon as the window opens.

“I think the priority for the club is a left-sided centre-back. That being said, a world-class signing will always be welcomed.

“It’s just, all of a sudden, Dier and Romero are looking really good and I don’t think we need to improve there.

“One of them would have to drop to the bench if Torres came in and I don’t really want that.

“A smaller fee would make a deal more likely, of course, and we have been linked with him for a long time now.

“I wouldn’t say no to him, put it that way. I just think the money needs to be spent elsewhere.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Despite a right-footed centre-back not being Conte’s top priority this summer, Spurs should still definitely make a move for Torres whilst he’s available at a discounted fee.

The £63k-per-week ace has been an absolute colossus in defence under Unai Emery this term, where he’s currently averaging 3.1 clearances and is winning 1.9 of his aerial duels per La Liga game, via WhoScored, showing just how much experience and knowhow he can add to a backline.

Whilst the 6 foot 2 talisman’s possible arrival could mean that certain members of the Italian’s squad would have to miss out on the starting XI, but this is a great way to provide some serious competition for places heading into next season and force others to step up their games even further.

In other news… a journalist has revealed that Conte is a ‘big fan’ of one of his Spurs transfer targets.