Chelsea 'leading chase for Kobbie Mainoo' as Man Utd sweat over key man

Chelsea are reportedly monitoring Kobbie Mainoo's contract situation at Manchester United, with the capital club keen to capitalise if the midfield starlet decides to leave Old Trafford.

The 19-year-old has over two years left on his current deal with United, having put pen to paper on fresh terms back in February 2023.

Mainoo initially caught the eye for United during the 2023/24 campaign and was rewarded with a spot in England's Euro 2024 squad, where the Three Lions went on to reach the final.

He's said to be held in high esteem by United and is viewed as a key part of the club's future plans, but according to The Daily Mail, plans to tie him down to a lucrative long-term deal have stalled.

The report suggests that if sufficient progress isn't made on the contract front and Mainoo decides to leave for new pastures, Chelsea are in pole position for his signature.

Chelsea have made themselves an attractive destination for up-and-coming talent in recent years, with co-owner Todd Boehly having placed a heavy emphasis on signing players with big potential.

In the Premier League at least, there are few with a higher upside than Mainoo, who has been tipped as one of the best young midfielders in Europe.

So much so, Mainoo's efforts were rewarded with a Golden Boy nomination in 2024 - an award handed out to the standout player under the age of 21 during the calendar year.

Mainoo has struggled for fitness at times this term and new United boss Ruben Amorim has been forced to take his time when reintegrating him to the starting XI.

The Stockport-born ace did impress during United's 2-2 draw with Liverpool over the weekend, with Mainoo looking sturdy next to summer signing Manuel Ugarte in the heart of midfield.

But Amorim has previously stated any players in his squad who are on the younger side will still have to match his desired standards if they're to keep a spot in the side.

Commenting to the club media channels upon his Old Trafford arrival, Amorim said: "I don't want to say that we need time because we are a young team. They are prepared. They are prepared to cope with the demands of playing for Manchester United.

"They should be because they are. They are here. We know it will take time and we will try to win time with the games. But we have to start since day one without fear, without thinking that they are not used to playing like this.

"This is not on my mind. They will start on the first day with our idea, no matter what. That's the goal."

United return to action on Sunday when they face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the FA Cup.