Kobbie Mainoo 'unhappy' with Man Utd contract offer as Chelsea interest builds | OneFootball

Kobbie Mainoo is no longer viewed as untouchable at Manchester United, reports have revealed, amid claims Chelsea are preparing to take advantage of a stalemate in contract talks.

Mainoo remains on the contract he signed back in February 2023, worth around £20,000 per week, and has seen limited progress in negotiations over a bumper new deal, prompting reports Chelsea are "leading the race" for the teenage midfielder.

According to the Daily Mail, Mainoo is looking for a new weekly salary of closer to £200,000. United, however, are looking to reduce their wages and the hesitance has left Mainoo believing he could find a better contract elsewhere. Indeed, the Manchester Evening News go as far as to state the 19-year-old is unhappy with United's initial contract proposal.

During the summer, Mainoo was one of a small group of players viewed as untouchable, but The Athletic state that is no longer the case. There is by no means an active desire to sell Mainoo, but his status as an academy graduate means his sale would generate pure profit which, in the era of profit and sustainability rules (PSR), is incredibly valuable.

Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo are all available for the right price / Clive Brunskill/GettyImages

Mainoo, alongside fellow youngster Alejandro Garnacho, who was signed from Atletico Madrid for just £420,000 in 2021, could be available for the right price, although United are not prepared to suggest a fee as they are not planning to lose either player.

The Guardian add Rasmus Hojlund to the list of players who are no longer seen as untouchable. New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe believes player sales are key to managing a successful club and will entertain suitable offers for any player.

Even last summer's signings, Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee, are said to be attainable for the right price, which is more an indication of United's desire to avoid any PSR sanctions, rather than actually sell their valuable players.