Mason Mount is proper Chels! Why keeping Liverpool-linked midfielder should be a no-brainer for the Blues

In one of those peculiar quirks of football fandom in the social media era, Mason Mount - an objectively inoffensive and palatable footballer and person - has become one of Chelsea's most divisive figures.

For more than a year now, Mount has been hailed as a favourite son of the academy by match-going fans at Stamford Bridge, while he is continually vilified by armchair supporters on 'Football Twitter'.

It had previously seemed inconceivable that the 24-year-old would ever leave the club he loves so dearly, but that online abuse has clearly weighed on him amid a drop-off in form this season as he stalls on signing a new contract, purportedly due to his wage demands, and rumours swirl about his future.

Possible financial hardship on the horizon means Chelsea are also motivated to sell, especially following their massive outlay over the past two transfer windows, and it's been reported that they would demand £70 million ($87.5m) for his services.

Liverpool - looking for fresh, high-energy pressing machines to replace their depleted midfield ranks - have been most strongly linked with a move for the tireless Mount, but Chelsea simply cannot repeat the mistake of allowing one of their bright young talents to depart before they have fulfilled their potential.

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The latest reports suggest there is a glimmer of hope that Mount can be brought back onside with the right managerial appointment, and the club will make a final push to keep him. Letting him go could prove catastrophic.