"I'm sure..." - Ornstein drops huge update over Liverpool transfer target

David Ornstein has dropped a huge update on Liverpool target Mason Mount.

Liverpool’s faltering season suffered yet another setback on Tuesday as the Anfield club suffered a 5-2 defeat to Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League last-16.

Despite taking a two-goal lead early on, the Reds' early advantage was cancelled out by a Vinicius Junior brace, before Los Blancos netted three unanswered goals in the second half to inflict Liverpool with their heaviest home defeat in Champions League history.

The Real Madrid loss was the latest of a series of disappointing results for Jurgen Klopp’s side this term. The Anfield club are currently languishing in eighth in the Premier League, some seven points adrift of the top four, while they are out of both domestic cups.

It has long been signalled that the Reds will undergo a major midfield rejuvenation in the summer, to remedy Klopp’s ageing and injury-prone squad. Indeed, the club have been linked to the likes of Jude Bellingham and Mason Mount in recent months.

Mason Mount’s Chelsea contract

Transfer guru Ornstein has claimed in the Athletic that contract talks between Mount and Chelsea have stalled.

The 24-year-old, whose deal is due to expire in June 2024, has allegedly rejected several offers over a new contract, which were made last summer and in the autumn.

This has led to speculation the Mount could depart Chelsea, where he has played since he was six, with Liverpool reported to be one of his many suitors.

Ornstein wrote: “The interested parties may be encouraged to learn that, currently, talks about extending Mount’s Chelsea career have been paused and — given the need for Graham Potter’s men to focus on finishing well in the top flight and Europe — they are not expected to resume until the summer.

“Once the season has ended and the conversations are picked up, Mount will have 12 months left and Chelsea’s intention is to secure the academy graduate to fresh terms or approve a sale.”

Mount has scored 33 goals in almost 200 appearances for the Blues, helping them win the Champions League in 2021.

Speaking on the Athletic podcast Ornstein added: “There’s been quite widely reported interest from the likes of Liverpool.

“I’m sure there would be a market for Mason Mount.”