Chelsea are working behind the scenes to secure a new contract for midfielder Mason Mount amid their work to tie town defender Thiago Silva.

The Lowdown: Opening offer rejected

The Premier League star has worked his way up through the academy ranks at Stamford Bridge to become a regular feature of the first-team squad, but there is uncertainty over his future having now entered the final 18 months of his deal.

The Daily Mail claim that the England international rejected fresh terms offered to him before leaving for the World Cup last November which saw him heavily linked with a move to Liverpool.

However, reports suggested that the 24-year-old was set to resume negotiations after the January window had closed, and it seems like that is exactly the case.

The Latest: Contract negotiations prioritised

According to 90min, Chelsea are now ‘focusing all of their efforts’ into tying Mount down, with Todd Boehly previously admitting that agreeing an improved deal was one of the club’s ‘top priorities’ this season.

The Blues maestro’s representatives are ‘aware of interest’ from potential suitors, but the player is ‘keen to stay’ and establish his place under Graham Potter.

The SW6 outfit are prepared to make their youth product ‘one of the highest-earning’ members of the squad as a reward for his development and success over the years.

The Verdict: Alongside Silva

Thiago Silva has openly confirmed that he’s likely to put pen to paper on a new contract in the coming days, and Mount could be set to follow in his footsteps by extending his stay in the capital.

The Portsmouth-born talent has posted 70 goal contributions in 187 senior outings and is a vital cog in the centre of the pitch, currently averaging 1.5 key passes per league game.

He also ranks in their top seven best top flight players by average match rating, according to WhoScored, and only Thiago Silva has played more league minutes than Mount this season.

The midfielder is a mainstay under Potter and someone who is quite clearly rated highly by Brighton's former boss.

Mount has been described as a ‘sublime’ player by journalist Josh Bunting, and as someone who’s going to be so important for the future of the club, it’s essential they reach an agreement as quickly as possible.