Roy Keane says he "wouldn't be so sure" of Mason Mount as Manchester United put together to check the waters with an early bid for the Chelsea attacking midfielder. The ex-Red Devils captain concurs as his former team-mate Paul Scholes, who additionally just lately raised doubts as as to if the England worldwide is worthy of his £70million price ticket.

For Keane, United ought to focus their efforts on signing a world-class No 9 in the event that they need to problem for the largest prizes subsequent season.

He instructed Sky Sports: "I hope it’s from United, obviously depending on the takeover, depending on recruitment, they need a world-class striker, you’d hope to think United could challenge them [City] next year but it’s going to be very, very difficult because City are brilliant and they’ve got a great, great manager.

"I wouldn’t be hanging my hat an excessive amount of on Mason Mount, when it comes to bettering United and shutting the hole. I believe he’s a great participant however would he enhance Manchester United? I’m not so certain.

"I know Mason Mount can bounce back and he’s got qualities, I was raving about him a few years ago, but he’s just gone missing this last year or two. Again, one or two injuries, the fact he can’t get in a bad Chelsea team.

"They’ve been linked with plenty of gamers however the one who would excite you is Kane."

Meanwhile, Scholes recently declared he does not feel Mount produces enough numbers to warrant a big-money fee which is likely to take up a significant part of United's budget.

But Scholes isn't sure of Mount or whether he provided enough goals or assists to warrant his massive price tag - which could exceed £60million.

"Look, I like Mason Mount… does he do sufficient?" Scholes told Premier League Productions.

"I assumed when he first got here onto the scene, ‘have got a new Frank Lampard?’. I do know we talked earlier than about not evaluating gamers to those sorts.

"But I expected him to score goals, a lot more goals, in big games, to win you games, he hasn’t really kicked on from there.

"I believe a change of membership won't be a foul factor for him."

Mount appeared to bid farewell to Stamford Bridge on Sunday after Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Newcastle despite not featuring in the match.

He was on the pitch at full-time as Ben Chilwell comforted him as he looked around reflectively.

Footage has since emerged of Mount walking on the pitch way after the game for one last look around Stamford Bridge, a place that means so much to him.

The 24-year-old has just over one year left on his current contract and talks over a new deal have failed to reach a positive conclusion.

United are expected to launch an opening bid for Mount now the season has been completed with Chelsea expected to adopt a tough negotiating position as they are not so keen to sell to a direct rival.