Chelsea are prepared to make an ambitious move to sign Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, as per reports.
United’s financial predicament has raised question marks over the long-term futures of highly-rated talents like Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
Garnacho was the subject of interest from Napoli during the winter window and Mainoo has attracted interest from Chelsea.
United are understood to be open to listening to offers for the England midfielder, who has just over two years left on his current deal to run.
According to Fichajes, Mainoo is in a “difficult contractual situation” at Old Trafford.
His representatives are looking to bag a significant pay rise for the 19-year-old who currently takes home around £20,000-a-week.
United, meanwhile, are determined to not overpay as they look to trim their wage bill amid financial fair play concerns. The situation has reportedly led to “tensions with the club’s leadership.”
Chelsea are keeping an eye on Mainoo and it is claimed that the Blues are “determined to pull out all the stops” to sign the United academy product.
As per the Spanish outlet, Chelsea are preparing to launch a £79 million bid for the dynamic midfielder.
The London outfit’s pursuit has been accelerated due to concerns over Romeo Lavia’s fitness. Further, they consider Mainoo to be a midfielder capable of adding much-needed creativity and balance to their midfield.
Mainoo is yet to nail down a place in Ruben Amorim’s midfield but United aren’t too keen on losing their promising talent. However, their stance could soften if negotiations over a new contract don’t progress as expected.
Meanwhile, it is suggested that Mainoo prefers to move abroad instead of joining a rival Premier League club, owing to his connection to his boyhood club.
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Vishal Singh
Vishal has covered football for over five years. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person. Big fan of ball-playing center-backs!
