Manchester United midfielder Mason Mount “will not be sold” at the end of the season, according to GiveMeSport.
INEOS owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is expected to oversee a clearout of the squad this summer, with some of the club’s highest earners coming under threat.
Mount, who is earning £250,000 a week, could have been considered for sale but it is believed that a decision has been made to retain his services.
There are thought to be several reasons why the England international will stay. Firstly, INEOS don’t believe they will be able to recoup the £60m that United paid for the player.
Secondly, there is hope that he can potentially replace captain Bruno Fernandes if he can overcome his injury problems.
GiveMeSport claim that Fernandes could “embark on a fresh challenge” after this season, leaving room for Mount to play in his favoured No.10 role.
Mount has had a very difficult first season at Old Trafford
Since joining the Red Devils from Chelsea, the 25-year-old has made just 12 appearances in total, with his game time being limited by a series of injuries.
Mount spent a month on the sidelines with a hamstring issue at the start of the season, but his biggest problem has been a calf injury that has kept him out since November. He is expected to return to action after the next international break but he has already been absent for four months.
Another high-profile United player could leave
While Mount is unlikely to be offloaded, Marcus Rashford may well be considered for sale by INEOS. Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly weighing up whether to sign the forward as a replacement for Kylian Mbappe.
Due to his poor form this campaign, the England international’s exit could be on the agenda. It looks like it will be a summer of significant change at Carrington.