Messi’s Old Comments About Mount Prove United Landed a Gem

• Lionel Messi has previously spoken highly of Manchester United-bound Mason Mount
• The veteran included the Chelsea ace in a list of players he believes will reach the top
• Mount is in line to join United this summer in a deal worth an initial fee of £55 million

Lionel Messi's old comments about Mason Mount have re-emerged ahead of the midfielder's pending move to Manchester United.

Mount is in line to become United's first signing of the summer transfer window after reportedly agreeing to join from rivals, Chelsea.

The Red Devils have been tracking the Blues' ace for weeks now, with the two Premier League clubs initially failing to agree on a transfer fee.

However, Metro UK reports that Mount is inching closer to sealing a move to Old Trafford after his medical at Carrington earlier in the week.

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The publication adds the England international was keen to stay at Stamford Bridge, but he rejected two proposals to extend his contract at the club.

When Messi praised Mason Mount

Apparently, it is not just United coach, Erik ten Hag, who rates Mount highly.

Back in 2020, Messi waxed lyrical about the Englishman, backing him for greatness in the coming years.

At the time, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner had been tasked to select a group of young players he believes have the potential to reach the top of the game.

"Having watched him play, he has the potential to be one of the best," Messi said of Mount, via Sportbible.

Mount has enjoyed a meteoric rise to prominence since he burst onto the scene during Frank Lampard's first spell as the manager of the London club.

The 24-year-old has gone on to make over 120 Premier League appearances for Chelsea.

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Mount's place in United line-up

Sports Brief also reported on where United could play Mount once the transfer deal is finalised, with ten Hag needing to find the best set-up in the new season.

Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, and Christian Eriksen have been mainstays in the line-up, but that combination has been disrupted by both injuries and suspensions.

Eriksen will likely be the casualty to make way for Mount, and the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder will likely have to make do with a place on the sub bench.