Bayern Munich are reportedly ready to sign Kobbie Mainoo if Manchester United cannot agree a new contract for the young star.
Mainoo's future has been the subject of much speculation during the early stages of the January transfer window, with talks over a new deal reaching a stalemate. United first reported new terms for the midfielder, who is only paid around £20,000 a week, at the end of last season.
But months later, nothing has been agreed and United are yet to budge on his £200,000-a-week demands. That may have opened the door to other clubs, with just 18 months left on his current contract.
Chelsea is keeping an eye on things as he has become aware that Mainoo believes he can bring in what he thinks he is worth elsewhere. And now The Sun reports that Bayern have joined the race for the 19-year-old, who are long-time admirers.
Mirror Football understands United remain confident they can complete a deal to retain their academy credentials. They will only consider selling this month if a huge offer of around £70 million is made – a position Sir Jim Ratcliffe has outlined amid concerns over profits and sustainability.
Ruben Amorim wants to keep Mainoo, who has formed a promising partnership with summer signing Manuel Ugarte and keeps Casemiro and Christian Eriksen out of the squad. But the United manager has also challenged the youngster and demanded more consistency in his performances.
Amorim said: “I think Kobbie Mainoo has improved a lot in the last games. But I think you guys feel like he's the finished product – and he's not. He has so much potential to grow up even further.
“He is really good, but he can be much better. “I think he's getting better, all the players are improving, all the players are important to me, regardless of whether they've worked with me in the past.”
Mainoo clearly earns more than his £20,000-a-week but United are reluctant to give him a top deal as he has been plagued by such moves in the past. One of the reasons why they are struggling to find a buyer for Marcus Rashford is due to his £325,000-a-week contract, while Casemiro also earns £350,000-a-week.
Amorim has been told to expect modest financial support compared to Erik ten Hag, with United under pressure to comply with PSR rules after posting a pre-tax loss of £312.9 million over the past three seasons . Selling Mainoo would be seen as a pure profit from an accounting point of view because he is homegrown, but United want to keep their young star regardless.
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