Academy graduate Mount is out of contract next summer and attracting interest from Premier League rivals as talks continue over a new deal.

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The Blues are keen to tie the England midfielder down to a long-term deal, though his camp are not happy with the terms that have been discussed so far meaning little progress has been made.

Asked about the situation, Potter said: “It is always complicated, there are always negotiations.

“It is best that I leave it between Mason and the club, it is the best way for that to be dealt with as far as I’m concerned.

“He has been fantastic to work with, an important player for us and I hope it gets resolved quickly.”

After a run of below par performances, Mount – who is being tracked by THREE Premier League rivals – has been dropped from the starting line-up in Chelsea’s last two games, coming on from the bench against both West Ham and Borussia Dortmund.

Potter has been pleased with the reaction from the 24-year-old, who is in contention to start against Southampton this weekend.

Mount has a stunning record against the South Coast side, with the boyhood Portsmouth fan scoring four goals and claiming two assists in seven Premier League games against the Saints.

Meanwhile, both Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell are in with a chance of taking part after injury concerns this week.

Sterling has missed the last two games with a knee problem while Chilwell came off in Dortmund with a knock, though both are training ahead of the weekend.

Potter said on Friday: “It is positive, we are going to train this afternoon so provided they get through that OK there is a chance they’ll be in the squad.”