Chelsea “leading the chase” for stunning target who could make controversial move | OneFootball

Silly season is usually reserved for the summer – but we’ve got a pretty outlandish story for you tonight.

The Daily Mail have a rather spicy exclusive courtesy of Chris Wheeler which claims that Chelsea are “leading the chase” to sign Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United.

The rising star is at a “stalemate” in his contract talks with United, and the continued impasse has led to several top European sides – including Chelsea – being alerted to his availability.

The Mail say Chelsea are “in pole position” to sign Mainoo, who at 19 is a rising star in the Premier League. There is already expected to be plenty of competition from other Premier League teams and “big clubs abroad.”

It’s hard to imagine Man U not figuring out some way of convincing Mainoo to stay, even if it does mean giving a few players the heave-ho in January and the summer.

Mainoo still likely to stay in the end – but no doubt Chelsea will be keen

Kobbie Mainoo in action for England at Euro 2024.

This feels like a leverage move from Mainoo’s team. He’s come through the United academy and surely wants to be part of their new project under Ruben Amorim. But he wants to be paid like the other superstars. At the moment, United can’t afford it – they’re paying almost £1m a week on Casemiro, Antony and Marcus Rashford alone.

Unlike many of the deals we see reported on, this one actually DOES look like one that the Chelsea sporting structure would love to do. A teenage England international on a reduced rate as he comes to the end of his contract? Yes please.

Tactically he could be a great fit in midfield to play in the 75% of the season when Romeo Lavia is injured. This is certainly one to keep an eye on…