Chelsea leading race to sign Man United and England star

Manchester United will hope to build on their draw against Premier League leaders Liverpool when they face Arsenal in the FA Cup third round on Sunday. 

Ruben Amorim’s side ended a run of three consecutive league defeats with a spirited 2-2 draw against the Reds on Sunday, with Amad Diallo’s late equaliser earning the Red Devils an important point.

Now, though, United just turn their attention to the FA Cup where another tough test awaits.

Off the pitch, with the January transfer window in full swing, those in charge of the club will be working hard to assess Amorim’s squad.

While United may look to sign new players this month, it appears that the club also risk losing one of their midfielders, with a fierce rival leading the race to sign him.

As per The Daily Mail, Chelsea are in pole position to sign midfielder Kobbie Mainoo if he cannot agree a new contract at Old Trafford.

The report claims that the 19-year-old’s representatives have reached a stalemate with United as the two parties attempt to agree a new deal.

Mainoo’s current contract is set to expire in 2027 and, although the club had hoped to agree a longer-term deal, the report claims that negotiations haven’t yet progressed.

Mainoo has been linked with a sensational move to rivals Chelsea

That has alerted clubs across Europe to the fact that the teenager could be made available for sale, either this month or during the upcoming summer transfer window.

While United are hoping to agree a new deal with the player, the report claims that the club are keen to reduce their wage bill and Mainoo is aware that he could earn more at other clubs.

Mainoo is a product of the Red Devils’ youth academy and has now played more than 50 times for the club across all competitions, having made his debut in 2023.

The midfielder has also established himself as a regular for England at senior level over the past 18 months, and has now been capped ten times by the Three Lions.