Bayern Munich have reportedly identified Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount as a summer transfer target.
Mount has been a key player at Stamford Bridge ever since being introduced into the first team in 2019, the playmaker now an established England international.
However, despite his affinity with the Blues, a spell of poor form and his ongoing contractual situation has led to a scenario where he may be sold later in 2023.
While Mount would ideally like to remain at Stamford Bridge, he allegedly wants parity alongside the likes of Reece James if he is to sign a new contract.
Instead, it has been claimed that the 24-year-old would receive a lower wage over a long-term deal in the region of seven years, as has become the norm since the club's takeover in May.
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With Mount not wanting to pen terms of that length, a departure has become increasingly likely, and the playmaker has no shortage of admirers.
Of the Premier League teams who hold an interest, the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool seemingly have the edge, yet they could face strong competition from abroad.
According to The Times, Bayern want to take advantage of the situation and secure a deal for the Chelsea academy graduate.
The chances of that happening have drastically improved over the past week with former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel being named as Bayern's new head coach.
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Mount was a regular under Tuchel during the German's successful stint at Stamford Bridge and may be seen as a valuable option in Tuchel's 3-4-3 formation.
Although Bayern are already well stocked in that area of the pitch, Mount's versatility would be viewed as an asset, and they reportedly plan to bid below Chelsea's alleged £50m valuation.
The West Londoners reported losses of £121m for last season earlier this week, highlighting the need for sales to be made as soon as possible given in excess of £600m has been spent across the last two transfer windows.
Todd Boehly and his consortium are said to be ready to give the green light to a fire-sale should suitable offers arrive, with Mount one of the players being made available.