Chelsea backed to accelerate Kobbie Mainoo chase after ‘shambles’
Chelsea are planning to renew their interest in Man United star Kobbie Mainoo as he continues to push for a move away in January.
That is according to former Man United chief scout Mick Brown, who worked at Old Trafford for over a decade during their most successful period, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Chelsea are long-term admirers of the 20-year-old.
Newcastle and Napoli have both been heavily linked with the England international, but Enzo Maresca‘s side have re-joined the race after missing out in the summer.
Brown told Football Insider in March that Man United would prefer to sell Mainoo abroad rather than to a direct Premier League rival should he be allowed to leave.
However, Chelsea are hopeful of luring him away from his boyhood club and believe he would be a top option to strengthen their midfield.
Chelsea to step up move for Kobbie Mainoo in January
Brown told Football Insider on 14 December that Mainoo will push to leave Man United in January after “crazy” treatment by the club and manager.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment and also worked for the likes of Tottenham, Aston Villa and West Ham, insisted that Chelsea are now keeping a close eye on the midfielder’s “shambles” situation.
“Chelsea are long-term admirers of Mainoo,” he told Football Insider.
“So yes, I think if he was allowed to leave Man United in January, they’ll be among the contenders because they see him as a top midfield option.
“He could come into that team and improve them, I have no doubt.
“They’ll be keeping a close eye on the situation because he wants to leave, so it comes down to whether the club are willing to let that happen.
“It’s just a shambles from Man United to even have got to a point where we’re talking about an academy product, an England international, leaving to join Chelsea.
“The way they’ve treated him has been embarrassing, the manager keeps talking about earning his place in the side, but how can he do that without being given a chance?”
Man United’s updated stance on Mainoo exit
Man United remain reluctant to let Mainoo leave in January, and see him as part of the long-term future of the club despite a lack of playing time under Ruben Amorim.
However, Football Insider revealed earlier this month that Man United could change their stance over Mainoo and allow him to leave in January after all.
Should the Red Devils manage to land a replacement in the early stages of the window, it could open the door for Premier League and European sides to swoop.
Football Insider revealed in October that Mainoo is desperate to leave United in January, as he wants to be in with a chance of making Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad.
While it was initially expected that he would pursue a loan exit, he is now open to leaving permanently, and may have opened the door to joining Chelsea.
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