Chelsea are prepared to make a move for Ghanaian midfielder, Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United in January.
Earlier this week, reports suggested that Chelsea are leading the race to sign the English international due to a lack of talks about a possible contract extension.
This then sparked a series of reports on Mainoo’s future at United, who no longer see the 19-year-old academy graduate as ‘untouchable’ because of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s desire to raise money to use in the transfer market.
While Chelsea’s interest in Mainoo appeared to be geared around a cut-price deal further down the line, The Times state a move could be made as early as this month if Mainoo shows an interest.
Mainoo is under contract with United until 2027, with a 12-month extension clause effectively tying him down to 2028.
The Red Devils have no active desire to sell Mainoo and remain keen to reward his emergence with a new contract, but their need to sell before buying new players has forced them to accept that every player currently on the books could be signed for the right price.
Sky Sports News stress that Mainoo is not unhappy at United, who are believed to have privately confirmed to the teenager that he is seen as a key part of the club’s future.
Kobbie Mainoo has so far made 14 appearances for Manchester United in all competitions.
