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Topics: Kobbie Mainoo, Manchester United, Premier League, Real Madrid
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Kobbie Mainoo, Manchester United, Premier League, Real Madrid
Kobbie Mainoo's progress at Manchester United is being closely monitored by one of Europe's top clubs, according to a new report – and they could make a move this summer.
The 18-year-old midfielder, who has been a revelation since breaking into Erik ten Hag's first team in November, continued his impressive run of form with a wonderful goal against Liverpool on Sunday.
His breakthrough has not gone unnoticed internally. Last month, it was reported that Mainoo is set to treble his wage to £60,000-a-week, with talks being held to extend his deal until 2030.
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But with his stock rising, Spanish giants Real Madrid are said to be circling.
In fact, Los Blancos may be about to make a move in the coming months as they look to replace Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, who could leave in the summer window.
Madrid's chief scout Juni Calafat is said to be a big fan of Mainoo, according to Spanish publication Don Diario, who claim president Florentino Perez sees the player as a "very interesting" signing.
Calafat has been "combing the market" to find a central midfielder who is capable of progressing the ball through the final third and they feel Mainoo fits that profile.
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The publication also claim both Mainoo and Eduardo Camavinga share the same representatives, which could prove important in discussions.
As mentioned earlier, the contracts of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are set to expire this summer, with the possibility of retirement after EURO 2024 in Germany a strong possibility for Kroos.
Modric, meanwhile, has reportedly rejected the opportunity to extend his 12-year stay at the Bernabeu.
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Real Madrid aren't the only club to be monitoring Mainoo's situation. Back in November, a report suggested Premier League rivals Manchester City were chasing Mainoo.
Mainoo almost joined the blue side of Manchester before joining United's academy at the age of nine.
Ian Kelly, who coached a young Mainoo during his time at local club Failsworth Dynamos, watched on as he impressed against a Manchester City youth team.
“He went to United’s academy school at Under-8 level, obviously not signed on yet, while playing for Failsworth and you’d have to get him to pass again after playing there," Kelly told The Manchester Evening News.
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"His passing developed in the end and he was strong, small and stocky.”