Frank Lampard, Chelsea’s caretaker manager, says he has no influence over Mason Mount’s contract negotiations with the club.
The 24-year-old is in the final year of his contract and has attracted interest from Premier League rivals.
Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle.
The Blues are looking for ways to convince Mount that his future lies in west London, but there is uncertainty as to whether the England midfielder is convinced that staying is in his best interests.
However, Chelsea are confident that talks are headed in the right direction, with a short-term extension under consideration to ensure Mount puts pen to paper.
Lampard, who debuted Mount and made him the youngest captain since John Terry in 2021, is only in charge until the end of the season – Mauricio Pochettino currently appears poised to take over permanently after agreeing terms. in principle. of the Premier League clash with Brentford that he has no say in whether or not Mount stays with the club long-term.
“At this point, it is not my opinion that that is the resolution. It will be the opinion of the club and the opinion of Mason, so that’s between them,” said the interim Chelsea manager.
“I think my opinion is pretty clear, I don’t need to explain what I think of Mason as a player. There is no question that Mason is a world-class player because of what he brings to the team in and out of possession.
“We could have done it with him in the games we have already played this season. But the big picture is something that will become clear in the coming weeks and months, and that will be the club and Mason together having conversations.”
Mount’s future at the club has been further complicated by a pubic bone injury that will keep him out of action for four weeks and likely the rest of the season. He will undergo surgery for the ongoing problem, which raises the possibility that he may have played his last game for Chelsea if he does not renew his contract.
