‘Man United to hold urgent Kobbie Mainoo talks’ – U-turn imminent
Man United remain keen to keep Kobbie Mainoo at the club beyond the summer transfer window, according to their former chief scout.
Mick Brown, who spent over a decade at Old Trafford during the club’s most successful period and remains very well-connected there, exclusively told Football Insider that efforts will be made to convince him to stay.
This comes after the 20-year-old rejected the offer of a new contract earlier this year after what has been a frustrating season under Ruben Amorim.
Brown told Football Insider on 11 February that Man United plan to accept offers for Mainoo this summer in an attempt to climb out of a difficult financial position.
Following that, Brown told Football Insider in March that Man United will accept £70million for Mainoo as INEOS plan to raise significant funds from his sale.
However, there is now a feeling that if United can secure Champions League football via the Europa League, they will hold fresh talks about the midfielder’s future.
Kobbie Mainoo backed to make Man United U-turn after exit twist
Brown told Football Insider in January that Man United should not sell Mainoo under any circumstances despite ongoing speculation about his future.
Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment and also worked for the likes of Aston Villa, Tottenham and West Ham, has insisted that Champions League football could be key to keeping him at the club.
“Players like him don’t come along that often,” he told Football Insider.
“When you’ve got them at 18, 19, 20 years old, they can play for you for the next ten years.
“If Man United can win the Europa League and get into the Champions League, I expect they’ll sit down again to speak about his future again.
“I don’t know why they’re even considering selling Kobbie Mainoo in the first place, in all honesty.
“If it’s his decision and he wants to go then that is what it is, but they should be doing everything in their power to convince him to stay.
“There are other players who can be sold if they want to raise money.
“If they can find other ways to bring in funds, especially with the boost from playing in Europe, I don’t think there’s any reason to let him go.
“They have to convince him that they’re heading in the right direction and hope that they can convince him to change his mind and stay at the club.”
Ruben Amorim eyes Eberechi Eze and Rayan Cherki deals
While United put plans in place to keep their best players at the club this summer, they are also aiming to improve Amorim’s options in the transfer window.
Brown told Football Insider on 24 April that Man United are considering signing Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace and have been tracking his performances.
The 26-year-old has impressed under Oliver Glasner at Selhurst Park, but there are concerns about his consistency and whether he would be the right fit.
Meanwhile, Man United are eyeing Lyon winger Rayan Cherki as they were alerted to his availability after his performance at Old Trafford.
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