Chelsea are reportedly plotting a Kobbie Mainoo swoop. (Image: Getty)
are set to accelerate their interest in midfielder ahead of a stunning summer swoop, according to reports. However, the Blues may be fighting an uphill battle. It’s claimed there is growing confidence that Mainoo will extend his contract at .
United are believed to be locked in negotiations with the 19-year-old over a new deal, and the situation has been described as calm despite noise surrounding his potential exit. GIVEMESPORT that Mainoo’s preference is to stay at his boyhood club beyond his contract expiry in 2027. And is said to be convinced the England international can fit into his 3-4-3 system once he recovers from a calf injury that has sidelined him for a month.
However, an agreement over Mainoo’s salary could prove to be a significant stumbling block that and his other suitors target.
The United No. 37 is among the first team’s lowest earners, pocketing a base salary worth around £20,000 per week on the four-year contract he signed in February 2023.
Reports state Mainoo is looking for a pay raise to the region of £150,000 per week, with the view of a further £30,000-a-week increase if the club return to the Champions League.
Amid INEOS’ efforts to lower the wage bill as part of vigorous cost-cutting measures since became co-owner in February 2024, a compromise will likely be required.
Kobbie Mainoo reportedly wants to stay at Man Utd. (Image: Getty)
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And CaughtOffside that are circling the situation due to concerns about injury-hit midfielder Romeo Lavia.
Injury issues have plagued the 21-year-old since landing at Stamford Bridge from Southampton in a £58million transfer in 2023.
He watched almost all of his debut season from the sidelines through muscle and ankle problems before totalling just 588 minutes of football this term.
Lavia is scheduled to return from his latest absence at the end of March, but there are reportedly unsurprising fears over his long-term fitness.
are said to be eyeing Mainoo as a replacement, with prepared to guide the club back into the Champions League next season.
United reportedly value their homegrown talent at around £70m, which would represent pure profit on the books and significantly loosen the club’s PSR and FFP limitations.
But there seems to be a mutual determination to strike an agreement over a new deal, which Old Trafford bosses will want Mainoo to sign before the summer to remove exit talk from the table.