Chelsea are leading the race to sign Kobbie Mainoo in a potential deal if the Manchester United midfielder departs Old Trafford.
United have reached an impasse in contract negotiations with Mainoo’s representatives, prompting interest from Europe’s top clubs as he could be sold this month or, more likely, at the end of the season.
Mail Sport understands that Chelsea is prepared to make a move for the 19-year-old if he is unable to agree on new terms, although they would face competition from Premier League rivals and clubs abroad.
United remain hopeful that a compromise can be reached to retain their homegrown star, who is valued at £65 million. Mainoo is nearing the halfway point of a contract that ties him to United until June 2027, but he reportedly seeks a new deal worth around £200,000 a week, including bonuses, to reflect his status as a first-team regular and established England international. This figure is also believed to be Chelsea’s pay ceiling.
However, United is focused on reducing their wage bill during this transfer window by offloading high earners such as Casemiro (£375,000 a week), Marcus Rashford (£315,000), and Antony (£200,000).
The budget constraints have complicated negotiations with Mainoo, who feels he could command better terms elsewhere. He is also reportedly concerned about the club’s direction and his chances of playing in the Champions League, especially with Ruben Amorim’s side currently sitting 13th in the Premier League.
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After a breakthrough season under Erik ten Hag, Mainoo has experienced a dip in form this term but has showcased his potential as one of the best midfielders in the country with recent performances against Liverpool and Manchester City.
The Stockport teenager is a symbol of United’s renowned academy and was previously viewed as unsellable. However, the club’s financial issues and the struggle to comply with profit and sustainability regulations—under which homegrown players are valued four times more than others—have made his exit a possibility. This situation has also made United more open to letting Rashford go this month and considering the sale of Alejandro Garnacho.
If given a choice between Mainoo and Garnacho, United would prefer to sell the Argentine winger, who has struggled to adapt to Amorim’s 3-4-3 system and has been benched for the last five games.
The only squad members deemed untouchable are £59 million summer signing Leny Yoro and Amad Diallo, who is close to signing a new contract. United aims to cut nearly £1 million a week from the wage bill by allowing Casemiro, Rashford, and Antony to leave this month.
Casemiro is being linked with Saudi club Al Nassr, where he would reunite with former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, while Olympiacos and Real Betis have expressed interest in signing Antony on loan.
AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund, and Tottenham are also pursuing Rashford on loan, but any deal would depend on what percentage of his wages United is willing to cover, as well as the size of the fee if there is an obligation to buy.
side are leading the race to snap up Mainoo if he should leave Old Trafford