Chelsea are leading the chase to sign Ghanaian midfielder Kobbie Mainoo in a sensational deal if the Manchester United midfielder leaves Old Trafford.
This comes after contract talks with Mainoo’s representatives have come to a halt, alerting Europe’s top clubs to the fact he could be sold this month or at the end of the season.
According to a report by the Mail Sport, Chelsea are in pole position to sign the 19-year-old if he cannot agree new terms at United, although there is bound to be competition from their Premier League rivals and big clubs abroad.
However, Manchester United will hope that a compromise can still be reached and they can keep hold of their homegrown star.
Mainoo signed a new contract last year which ties him to United until June 2027, but he has been in talks over a new deal that would reflect his status as a first-team regular and England international who started in the final of Euro 2024.
However, United are trying to drive down their wage bill as they look to offload big earners like Casemiro on £375,000-a-week, Marcus Rashford on £315,000 and Antony on £200,000 in the January window.
The budget squeeze has hampered negotiations with Mainoo who knows he would be able to command better terms elsewhere.
The player is also believed to be concerned over the direction of the club and his chances of playing Champions League football, with Ruben Amorim’s side currently in 13th place in the Premier League table.
After a breakthrough season under Erik ten Hag, Mainoo has had a dip in form this term but underlined his potential as one of the best midfielders in the country with his recent performances against Liverpool and Manchester City.
The Stockport teenager is a poster boy for United’s famed academy system and had previously been seen as untouchable.
But the club’s financial problems and struggle to comply with profit and sustainability rules – under which homegrown players are worth roughly four times as much as other players – has made it a reality.
Kobbie Mainoo has so made 16 appearances in all competitions but he is yet to find the back of the net for Manchester United.
