Manchester United's Mason Mount transfer chase has just got even harder

Bless them, Manchester United are trying to do the right thing but a decade of transfer window mismanagement has made it quite difficult.

When you're renowned for being the clowns you can't be too surprised when you get handed a joke. Which is exactly what the chase for Mason Mount is descending into.

Chelsea must know all too well their demands are too high. They are hanging on for £65million for a player going into the final year of his contract while simultaneously selling another midfielder in the same situation for £40million less. Mateo Kovacic is older, granted, and Mount's price is naturally inflated as an English player but Chelsea themselves signed seasoned Three Lions veteran Raheem Sterling for £47million just a year ago when he too had 12 months left on his deal.

A deal totalling £55million is more than reasonable for a player who is near-guaranteed to walk away for nothing next year and, though very talented and could shine at United, has struggled amid the chaos at Stamford Bridge over the last 18 months. Yet, they have turned it down.

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Why? Because of how dumb United have acted in the window in recent years by repeatedly paying well over the odds for players nowhere near worth it. Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Fred. The wasted millions are staggering and any club would be stupid to not chance their arm and see how much they can take United for.

It's to United's credit that they seem to have finally learned their lesson. The third offer remains on the table but after growing frustrated with negotiations alternatives are now being considered. Mount is Ten Hag's top target and it's easy to see why but the manager appreciates the bind