Newcastle United are believed to be monitoring developments surrounding Mason Mount's future at Chelsea, with the England international yet to commit himself to the west London outfit.

What's the latest on Mason Mount to Newcastle?

According to 90min, the Magpies - as well as Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool - are showing a particular interest in the 24-year-old's contract situation at Stamford Bridge, with the playmaker having just under 18 months left on his existing deal.

The report suggests that while the one-time Derby County loanee 'does want to stay' at the club, talks over an extension for the Blues academy graduate have proven 'challenging', with the player seemingly demanding a deal that 'reflects his status' as a key player for both club and country.

This follows previous reports during the summer window that also suggested the Tynesiders were in the frame for his signature, with manager Eddie Howe said to have been keen to sign the midfield maestro on loan during his time in charge at AFC Bournemouth.

Would Mount be a better fit than James Maddison for Newcastle?

A new creative addition does appear to be high on the agenda for the St. James' Park outfit, with the top-four hopefuls also said to be considering an approach for Leicester City's James Maddison ahead of next season, after seeing a £50m bid rejected during the summer.

The 26-year-old has sparkled for the Foxes of late - with nine goals and five assists in 16 Premier League games this season - although a move may well prove difficult to pull off, with champions Man City also now seemingly showing firm interest in his services.

Although Mount has endured an underwhelming campaign by his standards - with only three goals and six assists across all fronts - he could well make Newcastle forget about his compatriot, such is his undoubted quality.

The Portsmouth-born gem notably racked up 29 goal involvements last season in all competitions - just one shy of Maddison - having reached double figures for both goals and assists in the top-flight alone during the 2021/22 campaign.

The £71m-rated sensation is able to couple that attacking quality with his willing work ethic, as he ranks in the top 19% among his European peers for tackles made, having been described as a "manager's dream" by BT Sport pundit Joe Cole as a result.

That has ensured that the 5 foot 11 ace has established himself as a regular fixture in Gareth Southgate's side at international level with 36 caps to his name to date, while Maddison has only achieved one senior Three Lions appearance in his career thus far.

As such, it is Mount who boasts the experience of having featured at the World Cup and European Championship, having also provided a crucial assist for Kai Havertz's winner in Chelsea's Champions League final victory over City side back in 2021.

Maddison, by contrast, is yet to enjoy a taste of life in Europe's premier competition, with it to be seen if he can truly deliver on a consistent basis at the very highest level of the game.

With Howe and co harbouring ambitions of securing a place in the Champions League for next season themselves, it may well make sense to lump for a figure who has already showcased his class in the competition in the form of Mount.