Sky Sports: Utd’s PL rivals would offer ‘close to £70m’ to sign fan-favourite, Bellingham thinks he’s ‘brilliant’

Stretty News

·14. Januar 2025

Sky Sports: Utd’s PL rivals would offer ‘close to £70m’ to sign fan-favourite, Bellingham thinks he’s ‘brilliant’

After the ever-reliable David Ornstein confirmed that Kobbie Mainoo was no longer considered unsellable by Manchester United, fans are sweating over the prospect of losing their up-and-coming starlet.

Even more so since reports claimed Chelsea, who’ve shown they’re more than capable of paying over the odds under Todd Boehly’s reign, were waiting in the wings to try and prise the 19-year-old whiz from Old Trafford.

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While United are reluctant to part ways with their homegrown talent so early in his senior career, their bid to comply with the league’s financial limitations has prompted INEOS to open the door to his potential exit.

Mainoo, along with fellow starlet Alejandro Garnacho, pose as the two most profitable stars in Ruben Amoim’s ranks, having each made a lasting impact on the first-team in such a short space of time.

Chelsea mull over Mainoo pursuit

Mainoo has played an integral role under Amorim thus far. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

That’s why Chelsea are keen to add Mainoo to their crop of young, exhilarating talents. Enzo Maresca’s squad has an average age of 23.7 (Transfermarkt), and they’ve finally begun gelling this campaign after claiming 36 points from their first 20 matches – occupying fourth place as a result.

Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri states the Blues have now sounded out a move for the England international, whom counterpart Jude Bellingham hailed as ‘brilliant’ after his first Three Lions start.

The London outfit would be willing to pay ‘close to £70 million’ to prise the fan-favourite from M16 amid his contract talks reaching a standstill with United; Mainoo is tied to the club until 2027 plus the option of an additional year, but recent negotiations to extend his deal hit a roadblock due to his pricey wage demands.

However, Amorim will likely have informed the board that Mainoo is a player he can build his team around for years to come, so United may have to adjust their stance if it means keeping him in the red shirt long-term.