Report: Chelsea frontrunners for player who’s played just 183 minutes this season | OneFootball

Chelsea are leading the race for out of favour Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo according to reports.

With the January window fast approaching transfer rumours are starting to heat up, and as expected Chelsea have been linked with a number of players.

Having heavily invested in the summer, it’s been reported the Blues are expected to be relatively quiet this winter.

Chelsea lead the race for Kobbie Mainoo

Chelsea have been linked with Dutch midfielder Kees Smit and Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki, but it appears another player is on their radar.

Caught Offside have reported the Blues and Bayern Munich are leading the chase for United star Mainoo, who’s currently out of favour at Old Trafford.

Mainoo could be on the move in January with Chelsea reportedly interested. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

The report adds as many as 12 clubs are interested in the England international, but Mainoo’s personal preference is thought to be a move to Napoli, and he’s prioritising a move where he’ll start every week.

Chelsea have previously been linked with Mainoo, and it’s been quite the fall from grace for the United star after breaking through and starting the Euro 2024 final.

Mainoo has played just 183 minutes in the league this season, with Ruben Amorim preferring to go with Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte.

The 20-year-old will need to leave in January if he is to have any hopes of resurrecting his fading World Cup dream.

Romeo Lavia return date unknown

Despite having plenty of depth in midfield, one of the reasons the Blues are being linked with midfielders is likely because of Romeo Lavia’s injury issues.

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Since joining in 2023 from Southampton, Lavia has only played 30 games for Chelsea, with injuries ruining his time at Stamford Bridge.

When he has played he’s proven his quality and importance to the team, but the Belgian is once again sidelined, and it’s unclear when he’ll return to action, which could leave Chelsea with a big decision to take next summer.