Three of the biggest clubs in the Premier League ‘are putting plans in place to sign Mason Mount’

Chelsea face a huge battle to keep hold of star midfielder Mason Mount this summer, with Reece James also set to be targeted in the transfer window, according to a report. 

Mount has already established himself as one of Europe’s best young midfielders, having impressed for both club and country, with 12 goals across all competitions this season. 

But the 23-year-old has just two years left on his contract at Stamford Bridge and amid the club’s recent ownership uncertainty there is concern he could be lured away by Europe’s elite. 

Three of the Premier League’s biggest clubs are said to be preparing moves to sign the England international, according to The Athletic. 

The report does not name the English clubs but suggests that other clubs from across Europe’s top flights are also interested and Chelsea could face a battle to keep hold of their star player this summer. 

Mount is currently one of Blues’ lowest paid players on around £70,000 a week but the club’s current limitations, due to sanctions on owner Roman Abramovich, prevent the west Londoners from offering him a new deal. 

The midfielder is currently one of Blues’ lowest paid players on around £70,000 a week

Even if Chelsea’s new owners are prepared to offer him a massive pay-rise to persuade him to agree an extension, there are no guarantees he will sign one and top clubs are reportedly preparing to pounce. 

Mount’s contract situation places the Blues in a precarious situation with the player’s negotiation power increasing as his deal enters its final two years. 

However, Mount has been loyal to Chelsea and has been at the club since he was six, coming through the academy to become a first-team regular. 

Meanwhile, top European sides are also said to be circling Blues right back Reece James. 

The Athletic reported last summer that the 22-year-old was on Manchester City’s wanted list and added that Real Madrid are now interested too. 

Reece James (left) has reportedly attracted interest from Manchester City and Real Madrid

However, his contract situation is not as pressing as Mount’s, with the full back’s deal not set to expire for another three years. 

James has already proved throughout the season that he is an excellent right wing-back, as well as offering versatility as a centre back and midfielder, despite his young age.

He has become an integral member of the Blues’ first team since making his senior debut in September 2019, emerging as one of the best young players in European football over the past two-and-a-half years. 

The England defender, who has registered six goals and seven assists in 33 games this season, is now one of the first names on Thomas Tuchel’s team sheet.

The right back has become an integral member of the Blues’ first team since his 2019 debut

He last put pen to paper on an extension back in 2020, yet his reported salary of around £60,000 per week makes him one of the club’s lowest earners, similarly to Mount.

If they fail to tie him down to longer and more lucrative terms, Blues officials risk James being swayed by interest from the Bernabeu and the Etihad.

Other Blues players are also aware of interest from elsewhere and are exploring what moves they might be able to secure. 

Real Madrid are already poised to snap up Antonio Rudiger when his contract expires in July after agreeing terms with the German centre-back.