Journalist Fabrizio Romano has played down reports that contract negotiations between Chelsea and Liverpool target Mason Mount have collapsed.

It had been claimed that the 24-year-old had rejected an offer from the Blues to extend his current deal, but Romano says that talks remain open:

“I’m told negotiations are still ongoing between Chelsea and Mount, so let’s see how the conversation will go in the next weeks and months. I think it would be fair to say that automatic starters don’t exist when the competition is that high, he knows he has to perform at top level to keep his place, but nothing has changed.”

Mount is reportedly paid just £80,000 a week and, with his contract set to expire at the end of next season, he is keen to get a sizeable salary increase to match the club’s big earners.

Raheem Sterling, for example, is believed to be earning around £325,000 a week following his switch from Manchester City, which means the England international is getting four times as much as Mount.

Liverpool are said to be keeping a watchful on developments, with the Reds expected to be one of the frontrunners if the midfielder does decide to leave Stamford Bridge. Romano’s comments, though, suggest that Mount remains keen on staying in London.