The midfielder was asked about his future at the Spanish Grand Prix (Pictures: Sky Sports / Getty)
Chelsea contract rebel Mason Mount burst out laughing and tried to change the subject when asked if he is on the verge of joining Manchester United this summer.
The 24-year-old looks increasingly likely to leave Stamford Bridge after talks over an extension hit an impasse, with United beginning negotiations with Chelsea after already agreeing personal terms with the midfielder.
Although the west London club would ideally like to tie Mount down to a new, long-term deal, they have begrudgingly accepted that they must sell now rather than risk losing him for nothing in a year’s time.
United have now emerged as the clear frontrunners for his signature, though Arsenal and Liverpool are also believed to be keen.
With the season now over, Mount has spent the weekend in Barcelona to watch the Spanish Grand Prix – with a host of other high-profile footballers also in attendance – and he was caught on the grid walk by Sky Sports’ Martin Brundle.
The England international had managed to avoid any interviews before then, unlike team-mates Reece James and Ben Chilwell, but he was tracked down moments before lights out in Barcelona.
F1 commentator Brundle was egged on to speak to Mount by Chilwell and then cheekily claimed the left-back had said his team-mate was going to join United.
Mount laughed at the comment and turned away, before replying: ‘No, I’m here to just enjoy this race today. Amazing day. Can’t wait to watch it.’
Chelsea are thought to be demanding as much as £75million for Mount even though he only has one year on his contract.
United are understood to be offering significantly less than that but a compromise is likely to be found, with recent reports even claiming Harry Maguire could be offered to the Blues as a potential makeweight.
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Earlier in the day, both James and Chilwell had been asked about Mount’s looming departure, with the right-back telling Sky Sports: ‘If he goes everyone will be sad to see him go.’
Chilwell added: ‘I mean, that’s none of my business personally, but I’d love him to stay.
‘He’s my best mate. Personally I’d love him to stay but it’s not my business, I can’t really comment on that.’
Mount is unlikely to be the only big name leaving Chelsea this summer with the club needing a massive clear-out while the midfield is set for a big rebuild; Mateo Kovacic only has one year left on his contract and could join Manchester City while N’Golo Kante’s deal expires at the end of the month.
MORE : Reece James reacts to Chelsea team-mate Mason Mount’s potential Manchester United move
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The midfielder was asked about his future at the Spanish Grand Prix.