Mason Mount had a ‘ strong desire’ to join Manchester United, according to the man who led the negotiations to sign him. The Red Devils’ football director John Murtough has hailed the midfielder’s ‘thirst for success’, with Mount seen as a perfect signing for the club as he showed he wanted to move to Old Trafford and brings with him a winning pedigree and strong personality. It is also understood they beat rivals Liverpool and Arsenal to Mount’s signature, with the England international keen to become a Man United player. “Mason is an extremely intelligent footballer and has so many fantastic technical qualities that will significantly add to our squad,” said Murtough. “We have admired his talents for a long time, so we are delighted that he has chosen to take the next steps in his career here at Old Trafford. “His style of play and attributes are a perfect fit for this squad, and we all believe that he will only improve further working with Erik ten Hag and his coaching staff. “Mason himself is a world- class player but he also has the ability to improve the players around him through his game intelligence and tactical awareness. “We were particularly impressed by his strong desire to join United, and his thirst for further success, as we push to drive up our performance levels next season and beyond.” Chelsea have sent a message to Mason Mount following his transfer to Manchester United. Entitled ‘Thank you, Mason’, the Blues paid tribute to their boyhood star after agreeing to sell him to one of their Premier League rivals. “Mason Mount has today ended his 18- year association with Chelsea after completing a permanent move away from the club,” read the statement, which looked back at his career achievements at the club. Chairman Todd Boehly and co-controlling owners Behdad Eghbali and Jose E. Feliciano added: “Mason is a consummate professional and a popular figure at the club. We want to thank him for all his efforts on and off the pitch throughout his time at Chelsea.” Mason Mount has officially joined Manchester United. The 24- year- old midfielder arrives from Chelsea for an initial £55million, with £5m in add-ons, and has signed a five- year contract with the option of a further year. Mount said a farewell message to Chelsea fans last night, as he waves goodbye to his boyhood club after 279 club appearances, 58 goals, 53 assists, a Champions League trophy and two Player of the Year awards. “It’s never easy leaving the club where you grew up, but Manchester United will provide an exciting new challenge for the next phase of my career,” Mount said. “Having competed against them, I know just how strong a squad it is that I’m joining, and I can’t wait to be part of this group’s drive to win major trophies. “Everyone can see that the club has made big steps forward under Erik ten Hag. Having met with the manager and discussed his plans, I couldn’t be more excited for the seasons ahead, and am ready for the hard work expected here. “I am hugely ambitious; I know how amazing it feels to win major trophies and what it takes to do it. I will be giving everything to experience that again at Manchester United. Manchester United are preparing a £39million bid for Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana, amid the continued uncertainty over David de Gea. De Gea is no longer under contract at Old Trafford after seeing his £375,000-a-week contract expire on Saturday – which, incidentally, was the day of his wedding. It appears the Spaniard will move on after 12 years as a Red Devil. Although United said in a statement they were still in talks with De Gea over a possible stay, there has been no update since. And it appears Erik ten Hag has moved on, with Fabrizio Romano reporting United are set to make their first official offer to sign Inter No.1 Onana. He adds that Onana is keen on the move to the Premier League giants, but it might be some while until an agreement is reach as the Italian club are looking for closer to £50m.