Manchester United can't afford to fall into Mason Mount trap

The wheels are in motion as Manchester United look to make their first signing of the summer transfer window.

Despite continued uncertainty regarding the takeover situation, United are pushing ahead with a deal to sign Mason Mount and could shortly submit an improved bid for his signature.

It is encouraging that Erik ten Hag is being backed to sign a player he admires so much, but United must also proceed with an element of caution given the unclear state of play this summer.

It is understood that United's opening offer for Mount was somewhere in the region of £40million, while Chelsea value their academy graduate closer to the £70m mark.

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Mount has made it clear he has no desire of signing a new contract at Stamford Bridge and is keen on a move to United this summer, so there is real hope a deal can be completed early in the window.

There is optimism that both clubs will be able to meet somewhere in the middle and United could well look to make up a sizeable chunk of the deal by offering performance related add-ons.

A deal in the region of £50m would represent a fair price for both clubs, but United need to make sure they remain stubborn during talks and don't cave into Chelsea's excessive demands for a player who is out of contract in a year's time.

United have been guilty of overpaying for players in the past and given they don't know much money will be available this summer, it is crucial that they don't rush into a deal just to get it completed quickly.

United's summer budget will depend on selling players, no matter what happens with the takeover, in order to boost the transfer budget as well as meet financial fair play regulations.

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