Chelsea are 'confident' of tying Mason Mount down to a long-term contract extension after the Stamford Bridge favourite returns from the World Cup, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

The midfielder headed to Qatar, having been named in England's squad for the tournament, with doubts lingering over his long-term future in west London.

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What's the latest news involving Mount?

According to The Athletic, Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly and co-owner Behdad Eghbali held talks with Mount's representatives ahead of the World Cup getting underway and a positive breakthrough has been made.

The report suggests there is genuine hope that the academy product, who has made 181 appearances for the senior side, will sign on the dotted line after some finer details are ironed out during another scheduled meeting in January.

Chelsea are eager to reach an agreement with Mount as he is set to enter the final 18 months of his £75,000-per-week contract at the turn of the year.

Liverpool and Juventus are reportedly keeping tabs on the central midfielder's situation and prepared to pounce if fresh terms are not rubber-stamped.

The interest comes after it had initially emerged that there had been a stalemate despite discussions over a new contract taking place since the summer.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

What has Simon Phillips said about Mount?

Phillips understands that Chelsea have put discussions over a contract extension on hold while Mount is in Qatar with England.

However, the journalist believes there is optimism that the 23-year-old will commit his long-term future to the Blues after further negotiations are held.

Phillips told GIVEMESPORT: "They've put those talks on hold during the World Cup and they're going to restart them again after.

"There is confidence from most people I talk to that Mount will sign that extension and they will find a conclusion.

"But there has certainly been many hiccups along the way that have stuttered the talks a little bit and it's not that straightforward.

"There is still optimism that Mount will sign a contract extension, but it's just going to take a little bit more negotiating."

Could Mount attract suitors at the World Cup?

Mount has taken his tally up to 34 caps after starting England's World Cup Group B clashes against Iran and the United States.

There is no doubt that the Chelsea man would have caught the eye of numerous clubs during the Three Lions' 6-2 thumping of Iran earlier this week.

Mount achieved a match rating of 7.3, according to SofaScore, and boasted an 89 per cent pass accuracy.

His influence allowed England to get their bid for glory off to the perfect start and, as a result, the likes of Liverpool and Juventus are likely to keep a close eye on his performances in Qatar.

Graham Potter, who was appointed as Chelsea's head coach in September, will be desperate to fend off suitors during the January transfer window.

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