Chelsea’s transfer stance on signing Kobbie Mainoo from Man Utd

Manchester United’s willingness to listen to offers for some of their brightest young talents has sent shockwaves through a fanbase who had already been scratching their heads at some of the decisions made by their new INEOS owners.

United’s eagerness to comply with Premier League spending regulations means the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund, who are all deemed to be homegrown, could be available for the right price.

According to The Athletic, United are not actively looking to sell any of their players but the grim reality of their financial situation means they would be prepared to listen to suitable offers.

Under PSR rules, the sale of homegrown players represents pure profit in an accounting sense, which is why Chelsea have been so pro-active in selling a number of their academy graduates over the course of the last few years.

The potential departure of Mainoo would be particularly difficult for United to swallow given the club’s history of putting faith in local talent, allied to the fact his emergence has been one of the few uplifting elements of a torrid 12 months.

After making his breakthrough under Erik ten Hag last season, the teenager appears to be a key part of Ruben Amorim’s long-term plans and he will no doubt continue to feature for England under Thomas Tuchel after he played a key role under Gareth Southgate at Euro 2024.

There was already a measure of uncertainty over Mainoo’s future given he is in the middle of contract negotiations.

The 19-year-old’s current deal expires in two years’ time and although there is an option to extend by a further 12 months, the player is justifiably seeking significantly improved financial terms.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have built their new-look team, funded by their Clearlake ownership, around a group of Europe’s most exciting young players so it is no surprise to see them linked with a player of Mainoo’s repuation.

Reports earlier this week claimed they were leading the race to sign the gifted midfielder but it is more accurate to stay they are monitoring the player’s situation.

Chelsea have already drawn up a list of targets for the summer and although Mainoo is not thought to be a priority, they will be keeping abreast of the situation, particularly if contract talks stall.

The Blues have invested heavily on midfielders, breaking the British transfer record twice in quick succession to recruit Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo.

Chelsea also beat off significant competition from Liverpool to sign Romeo Lavia who, after an injury hit first season, has shown real promise this term under Enzo Maresca.

Despite his talent, Mainoo has been in and out of the starting line-up since Amorim’s arrival and although he looked back to his best in last weekend’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool, United legend Paul Scholes does have a concern about the youngster.

‘Mainoo with his legs has to be a worry,’ Scholes told Premier League Productions when assessing who should feature in United’s midfield. ‘He doesn’t finish a lot of games.’

Another former United star, Michael Owen, added: ‘He looks heavy, but yeah, he tires a lot, doesn’t he? And it’s one thing he’s an unbelievable player, but if there’s one thing about Mainoo, it’s getting around the pitch and his ability to last a full game at the high intensity that’s needed.

‘And then you look at the other alternatives. You’ve got [Christian] Eriksen that’s getting on in years. Casemiro that’s never been that mobile but getting on in years.

‘So, I guess you’re left with [Manuel] Ugarte and another. You’re left with Ugarte.’