- Kobbie Mainoo enjoyed a spectacular rise in 2024 for both club and country
- The 19-year-old was a surprise call-up for Gareth Southgate's England team.
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Chelsea are leading the hunt to sign Kobbie Mainoo in a sensational deal if the Manchester United midfielder leaves Old Trafford.
United have reached an impasse in contract negotiations with Mainoo's representatives, alerting Europe's top clubs to the fact that he could be sold this month or at the end of the season.
Mail Sport understands that Chelsea are in pole position to sign the 19-year-old if they cannot agree on new terms at United, although there will surely be competition from their Premier League rivals and the big clubs in the foreign.
United will hope that a compromise can still be reached and they can keep their local star.
Mainoo signed a new contract last year that ties him to United until June 2027, but 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 Euro 2024 final. .
However, United are trying to reduce their wage bill as they look to offload high earners such as Casemiro on £375,000 a week, Marcus Rashford on £315,000 and Antony on £200,000 in the January window.
Chelsea lead the race to sign Kobbie Mainoo if he leaves Manchester United
After recovering from an injury earlier in the season, Mainoo produced a stellar performance against Liverpool on Sunday.
Mail Sport understands Enzo Maresca's side are leading the race to take over Mainoo if he leaves Old Trafford
The budget constraint has hampered negotiations with Mainoo, who knows he could achieve better terms elsewhere.
The player is also believed to be concerned about the direction of the club and their chances of playing in the Champions League, with Ruben Amorim's side currently sitting 13th in the Premier League standings.
After a great season under Erik ten Hag, Mainoo has had a dip in form this season, but underlined his potential as one of the country's best midfielders 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 local players are worth about four times as much as other players) have made it a reality.
It's one more reason why United are more open to letting Rashford go in January, and would also consider selling Alejandro Garnacho, another player previously considered off-limits.
The only two players currently untouchable at Old Trafford are £59million summer signing Leny Yoro and Amad Diallo, who is close to signing a new contract after establishing himself as a key player under Amorim.
