Sir Alex Ferguson has already 'told' Man Utd what they must do with Kobbie Mainoo amid Chelsea transfer rumours

It was a report that was met with shock, more than anything.

On Tuesday afternoon, it emerged that Manchester United have reached a so-called 'stalemate' in contract talks with the representatives of midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.

In fact, Chelsea are said to be leading the chase to sign Mainoo, according to the Daily Mail, who claim the Blues are in 'pole position' to sign United's academy product if he cannot agree new terms at Old Trafford.

The 19-year-old, who penned a new contract last year until June 2027, has held talks over a new deal that would match his status as a first-team regular and England international but United are making efforts to decrease their wage bill.

Mainoo, meanwhile, is believed to be 'concerned' over which direction the club is heading; not to mention his chances of playing Champions League football.

It would certainly come as a surprise given his status as one of United's key players.

Sir Alex Ferguson, meanwhile, has already made his feelings clear on Mainoo, describing the midfielder as "the heart and soul" of Manchester United alongside teammate Alejandro Garnacho.

Asked about the impact they made during their debut campaigns, Ferguson told Jamal Niaz: “It’s the foundation isn’t it? It’s the heart and soul of what Manchester United has been since the days of Sir Matt Busby, who started the whole process of trusting young players playing.

“They’re young. What they’re showing at the moment, the composure and confidence to play in the first team, and not be daunted by it. In a way, it shows you the kind of courage they have."

He added: "It’s a distinction in human beings, some have the will to be that [fearless at a young age].”

Chelsea are interested in Mainoo. Image credit: Getty

Ferguson would have never allowed such a transfer to happen during his reign as United boss. The Scot and David Gill, who was United's chief executive, previously had a policy of never selling an important player to one of their Premier League rivals.

Gill revealed his stance after United turned down a £6 million bid from Liverpool for defender Gabriel Heinze in 2012.

"On Monday night we received a written offer and we've rejected that. It was a significant offer. But we rejected it because it's Liverpool. We wouldn't sell a player to Liverpool, Arsenal or Chelsea," Gill said at the time.

"We've relayed that to the agent in no uncertain terms. I couldn't have been clearer. If the club were still a plc it might be different, but we don't have some of those pressures now."

Thoughts on the future of Kobbie Mainoo? Let us know in the comments.