The Athletic's Chelsea correspondent Simon Johnson has shared an exciting update on midfielder Mason Mount's contract talks.

The Lowdown: Mount deal taking time...

The England international, who has been selected for Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad, has been at the centre of speculation linking him with fresh terms.

However, unlike fellow academy graduate Reece James, who put pen to paper on a new deal soon after rumours over his own future abounded, Mount's proposed fresh contract has taken a fair bit longer.

The 23-year-old's current deal is set to expire in 2024, with still no extension confirmed as of yet, but Johnson has shared some good news in this regard.

The Latest: Chelsea making a breakthrough?

The Premier League giants have apparently made a breakthrough in talks with the midfielder.

Taking to Twitter in sharing a corresponding article from The Athletic, Johnson has shared an update on Mount's new contract.

He tweeted: "Update on Mason Mount's contract talks at #CFC...positive talks were held recently & there is now great optimism a deal will be agreed when the next round of negotiations, scheduled for January, resume."

Following on, the journalist states that a 'significant development' took place in the last meeting held before Mount left for the World Cup with England.

The Verdict: A must...

The Three Lions ace is a key player for Chelsea manager Graham Potter, ranking in the Blues' top four  players in terms of shots at goal and key passes made per 90 in the top flight (WhoScored).

With Mount still very young at 23 and able to improve even further, the Blues and owner Todd Boehly certainly won't want to risk the notion of needing to sell him before his deal expires in two years' time.

Indeed, sealing a new deal for Mount should be among the club's top priorities.