Kobbie Mainoo transfer bombshell drops as interest in Man Utd midfielder emerges from Premier League rival

Manchester United are 'reluctantly open to offers' for Kobbie Mainoo, according to a new report, with a Premier League rival 'keeping tabs' on his uncertain situation at Old Trafford.

Mainoo has played a bit-part role under Ruben Amorim of late. In fact, the 20-year-old midfielder was benched for much of the latter stages of United's poor campaign, including this month's Europa League final defeat to Spurs.

After such a positive start to his United career, those inside the club deemed Mainoo as being the future of their midfield for years to come. The England international, however, has struggled to find a natural home in Amorim's high intensity 3-4-2-1 system.

Mainoo, who made 19 starts in the Premier League this season, also holds reservations about his role in the team, according to talkSPORT, who claim he and six other players could be sold this summer.

Player sales are inevitable at United amid their fight to avoid Premier League Profit and Sustainability rule breaches, and homegrown players such as Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho are registered as pure profit on the balance sheets.

With all that being said, a report has emerged suggesting Mainoo's future at United could depend on whether or not Bruno Fernandes decides to leave for Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal in the coming days.

If the Portuguese midfielder leaves, then it will 'almost certainly' mean that Mainoo stays at his boyhood club, according to iNews. But if he stays put then the England international could be on his way out.

Premier League rivals Chelsea are said to be keeping tabs on his situation, just months after they were heaving linked with a move for the midfielder.

Back in January, the Blues expressed an interest in bringing Mainoo to Stamford Bridge after United reached a 'stalemate' in contract talks with Mainoo's representatives.

At one stage, it was reported that Chelsea were in 'pole position' to sign United's academy product if he couldn't agree new terms at Old Trafford, but he remained in Manchester for the remainder of the campaign.

Chelsea are weighing up a move for Mainoo. Image credit: Getty

The 20-year-old, who penned a new contract last year until June 2027, previously held talks over a new deal that would match his status at United as a first-team regular, but the club appear to be making efforts to decrease their wage bill.

As mentioned above, player sales are a necessity amid United's fight to avoid Premier League Profit and Sustainability rule breaches.

Ruben Amorim isn't exactly convinced by Mainoo, but selling a homegrown player who was one of United's best players during the 2023/24 campaign would be a bold move, to say the least.

Thoughts on Mainoo's future? Let us know in the comments.