Mount, in action against West Bromwich Albion, is eager to make the step up to the top flight

Mason Mount is desperate to play in the Premier League with either Derby County or his parent club Chelsea after being unexpectedly beaten to the top flight by Declan Rice, one of his closest friends.

The 20-year-old, who is on loan at Derby, is yet to make a first-team appearance for Chelsea, while Rice has featured more than 50 times in the top flight despite being released from the Stamford Bridge academy at 14.

Rice joined West Ham United while Mount remained with Chelsea, gaining his senior experience during loan stints with Vitesse Arnhem in the Netherlands and Derby in the Championship under Frank Lampard.

Now Mount is desperate to help the East Midlands club to promotion via the play-offs before, one way or another,