Chelsea leading the chase for Kobbie Mainoo if he leaves Man United

Chelsea are leading the chase to sign Kobbie Mainoo in a sensational deal if the Manchester United midfielder leaves Old Trafford.

United have reached a stalemate in contract talks with Mainoo’s representatives, alerting Europe’s top clubs to the fact 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 he cannot agree new terms at United, although there is bound to be competition from their Premier League rivals and big clubs abroad.

United will hope that a compromise can still be reached and they can keep hold of their homegrown star.

Mainoo signed a new contract last year which ties him to United until June 2027, but he 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 final of Euro 2024.

However, United are trying to drive down their wage bill as they look to offload big earners like Casemiro on £375,000-a-week, Marcus Rashford on £315,000 and Antony on £200,000 in the January window.

Chelsea are leading the race to sign Kobbie Mainoo if he should leave Manchester United

After recovering from injury earlier in the season Mainoo put in a stellar display against Liverpool on Sunday

Mail Sport understands that Enzo Maresca's side are leading the race to snap up Mainoo if he should leave Old Trafford

The budget squeeze has hampered negotiations with Mainoo who knows he would be able to command better terms elsewhere.

The player is also believed to be concerned over the direction of the club and his chances of playing Champions League football, with Ruben Amorim’s side currently in 13th place in the Premier League table.

After a breakthrough season under Erik ten Hag, Mainoo has had a dip in form this term but underlined his potential as one of the best midfielders in the country 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 homegrown players are worth roughly four times as much as other players – has 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 seen as 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.

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