Kobbie Mainoo is no longer considered untouchable at Manchester United, reports reveal, amid claims Chelsea are preparing to take advantage of a deadlock in contract talks.
Mainoo remains on a contract he signed back in February 2023, worth around £20,000-a-week, and has made limited progress in talks over a superb new deal, leading to reports that Chelsea “leading the race” for a teenage midfielder.
According to Daily MailMainoo is seeking a new weekly salary of close to £200,000. United, however, are looking to reduce their wages and the reluctance has led Mainoo to believe he can find a better deal elsewhere. Really, Manchester Evening News going so far as to say the 19-year-old is unhappy with United’s initial contract proposal.
During the summer, Mainoo was one of a small group of players who were considered untouchable, but The Athletic states that this is no longer the case. By no means is there an active desire to sell Mainoo, but its graduate academic status means its sale would generate a net profit which, in the era of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), is incredibly valuable.
Mainoo, along with fellow youngster Alejandro Garnacho, who was signed from Atletico Madrid for just £420,000 in 2021, could be available for the right price, though United they are not ready to propose compensation because they do not plan to lose a single player.
The Guardian add Rasmus Hojlund to the list of players no longer considered untouchable. New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe believes selling players is essential to running a successful club and will make suitable offers for each player.
Even last summer’s signings, Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee, are reportedly available for the right price, which is more indicative of United’s desire to avoid any PSR sanctions rather than actually selling their valuable players .
READ THE LATEST MAN UTD NEWS, TRANSFER RUMORS AND GOSSIP
