Liverpool admit defeat to Man Utd in Mason Mount transfer battle as they line up shock move for Southampton star instead

LIVERPOOL have reportedly admitted defeat in their pursuit of Manchester United target Mason Mount.

The Chelsea star looks set for a big-money summer transfer after refusing a new deal.

Liverpool have admitted defeat in their pursuit of Mason MountRex

And Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils are hoping to wrap up a move by negotiating a fee lower than the Blues’ £70million valuation.

Liverpool were also thought to have held interest in Mount, making him one of their top targets earlier this year.

But Jurgen Klopp has since wrapped up an initial £35m deal for Brighton playmaker Alexis Mac Allister.

And the Mirror claims Liverpool have now pulled out of the battle for Mount.

They understand the England star has already agreed personal terms with United.

The Reds are also unwilling to go anywhere near Chelsea’s £70m price tag – having paid half that for World Cup winner Mac Allister.

And Klopp is now targeting a £25m deal for Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse.

The set-piece specialist has been a one-club player his entire career.

GettyThe Reds are now lining up a swoop for Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse[/caption]

But the Saints’ relegation to the Championship has opened the door for the 28-year-old to seal a move to a top side.

Ward-Prowse is valued at £50m by his club, despite their exit from England’s top flight.

And Liverpool are hoping to slash that figure in half in negotiations.

Aston Villa could yet make an approach after seeing a bid rejected last summer.

The Villans are looking to build on their seventh-place finish and have already landed ex-Leicester star Youri Tielemans on a free transfer.