After another standout performance for Derby County at the weekend, Mason Mount's stock just keeps on rising as we approach the latter stage of the 2018/19 campaign.

Both Chelsea and Mount will have got what they have wanted out of this loan spell - regular football, a level which he thrives in, and a call-up to the England squad after a hugely impressive season thus far.

The playmaker was back to his best at the weekend, scoring his first hat-trick in English football in a 4-0 win over Bolton, which saw Derby climb to within two points of the Sky Bet Championship play-off spots.

After netting 10 times and producing four assists for Frank Lampard's men this term, Mount is clearly one of the most talented midfielders in the second tier, and at the age of 20, he will surely feel that he has a massive future ahead of him at Chelsea.

He will also feel that he has done enough to force his way into Maurizio Sarri's first-team plans at Stamford Bridge next season, and ahead of what is shaping up to be an eventful summer for the youngster, we take a look at the potential paths that await him...

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Fight for place in Chelsea squad

This is what most people, especially Chelsea fans, would be wanting Mount to do upon his return to Stamford Bridge in the summer.

With Chelsea looking extremely unlikely to sign players due to a two-window transfer ban, Mount's chances of featuring in the first-team next season have been undoubtedly enhanced.

After proving himself to Gareth Southgate that he is good enough to called up to the England squad, he'll certainly fancy his chances of playing for Chelsea next term.

Sign for another Premier League team on loan

If he is deemed still not ready by Sarri and Chelsea next season, then a move to another top-flight side could certainly be of interest.

AFC Bournemouth have been linked with a move to sign the playmaker, and given how well the likes of Chris Mepham and David Brooks have done since joining the Cherries, a move to Eddie Howe's men would be a very smart move by Mount.

Whether he leaves on a loan deal or on a permanent basis, Mount simply needs to stay in the Premier League next term.

Re-sign for Derby

Even the most optimistic of Derby fans would admit that the club's chances of signing Mount again next season are very slim, but what a coup it would be for the Rams.

Of course, the East Midlands club could well be a Premier League side next season, but this currently looks unlikely.

But, in Frank Lampard, he has a manager who will know him inside out, and has proven to get the best out of the player.

This would probably be the most unlikeliest option out of the three, but could Lampard's connections help him secure Mount's services once again?