90min journalist Graeme Bailey has given his verdict on the future of Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount. 

The Lowdown: Future talks

Journalist Dean Jones recently claimed the player is 'highly thought of' as a part of Graham Potter's side and expects him to sign a new deal soon.

Fellow Premier League club Liverpool were linked with the player last month according to The Guardian, which has led to the Blues trying to get a new contract sorted as soon as possible.

In all competitions, Mount has nine goal contributions from 27 appearances in the 2022/23 campaign so far - some 20 fewer than last season's total as he played 53 games in all competitions.

Only Raheem Sterling can match Mount's numbers in goals and assists this term, showing that the England ace is still performing in an underwhelming Chelsea side to this point in the campaign.

The Latest: Priority of the hierarchy

Bailey claimed that a new deal for Mount was a priority for the higher-ups on the Chelsea board, when speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast.

He stated: "That is one of the priorities for the hierarchy at Chelsea now, to get Mason Mount to a new deal.

"From my understanding, they are prepared to make him one of the highest-paid players at the club.

"They've been talking with him since the start of the season when Reece James signed his new deal. There's been a few issues there in terms of wages, but they're hopeful, and they're expecting him to sign this new deal."

The Verdict: In Chelsea's plans

We believe that the news of Mount likely signing a new deal suggests that he's valued in high regard by Potter and the Chelsea hierarchy.

In our view, the midfielder is someone with a lot of talent, and he certainly showed what he was capable of last season when he produced some stonking numbers.

However, Mount certainly has had his critics from both fans and pundits alike this season, as the 24-year-old certainly hit a dip in form.

Earlier in the season against Dinamo Zagreb, former Chelsea man Frank Leboeuf tore into Mount when speaking to ESPN (via The Daily Mirror).

Leboeuf described Mount's performance as 'appalling' and claimed that he 'disappeared' in a clash against 'average' opponents.

Our view is that the player fits the mould of the young type of central midfielders Chelsea have at the club, so it comes as no surprise that they're looking to secure a new contract for him.