Chelsea are ready to try to sign Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo in January tRANSFER window if the England international shows an interest in a move, a report says.
Earlier this week, a report came out of nowhere claiming that Chelsea were “leading the raceTo sign Mainoo amid 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, which they no longer see the 19-year-old academy graduate as 'untouchable' due to Sir Jim Ratcliffe's desire to raise money to use in the transfer market.
While Chelsea's interest in Mainoo appeared to be geared around a cut-price deal further down the line, The Times state that a move could be made as early as this month if Mainoo shows an interest.
Mainoo is under contract with united until 2027, with a 12-month extension clause effectively tying him down until 2028. The Red Devils have no active desire to sell Mainoo and remain keen to reward his exit with a new contract , but their need to sell before buying new players has forced them to accept that any player currently in the reserves can be signed for the right price.
Sky Sports News stressed that Mainoo is not unhappy at United, who are believed to have privately confirmed to the teenager that he is seen as a key part of the club's future.
If Mainoo is to keep his commitment to United, a move to Chelsea would prove too complicated as, while the Red Devils would be interested in the net profit raised from selling academy talent, they would still be asking a huge figure for a player whose contract gives them control of the situation for the next three years.