Chelsea are ready to sign Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo in January transfer A report states that the England international is expressing interest in a move.
Earlier this week, a report emerged out of nowhere claiming Chelsea were “leading the race to sign Mainoo” due to a lack of progress in negotiations over a new contract at Old Trafford.
This then sparked a series of reports about Mainoo’s future at United, with the 19-year-old academy graduate no longer seen as “untouchable” due to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s desire to raise money in the transfer market.
While Chelsea’s interest in Mainoo appeared to be based on a later offer at a cheaper price, The times State that a move could happen as early as this month if Mainoo shows interest.
Mainoo is contracted to United until 2027, with a 12-month extension clause that effectively ties him to 2028. The Red Devils have no active desire to sell Mainoo and remain keen to reward his promotion with a new contract, but their need to sell and buy new players has forced them to accept that every player currently in the books, can be committed at the right price.
Sky sports news stress that Mainoo is not unhappy at United as they are believed to have privately confirmed to the teenager that he is seen as a key part of the club’s future.
Should Mainoo retain his commitment to United, a move to Chelsea would prove incredibly complicated, as while the Red Devils would be interested in the pure profit from selling academy talent, they would still likely demand a huge sum from a player whose Contract this allows them to control the situation for the next three years.