Sources: Man United 'confident' of finalising Kobbie Mainoo deal
Manchester United are "confident" of agreeing a new contract with Kobbie Mainoo despite talks over an extension having stalled in recent weeks.
The 20-year-old has returned to the starting XI under Michael Carrick and proved once again how important he can be in the centre of midfield.
Initial doubts over his future emerged due to his lack of playing time under Ruben Amorim, but contract talks are not believed to have progressed since his dismissal.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, all parties remain keen to extend his stay at Old Trafford.
Mainoo's current contract is set to expire in 2027 and he will have one year remaining in the summer, but talks are expected to take place as Man United accelerate their transfer plans.
Kobbie Mainoo likely to agree new Man United contract
Football Insider revealed in January that Man United have no plans to lose Mainoo and blocked his exit in the mid-season window with plans to do so again this summer.
Having ruled out his departure given his role in the squad, particularly since Carrick's arrival, they are keen to ensure he stays for the foreseeable future.
Mainoo is believed to be happy at Man United now that he is playing more regularly, and will be keen to extend his deal despite talks not yet having advanced.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "If Ruben Amorim remained in charge at Old Trafford, you can't imagine there would have been progress in contract talks.
"That situation has totally changed now under Michael Carrick, he's been a regular starter since he replaced Amorim at Old Trafford in January.
"He's under contract until 2027, so I would imagine those talks will reopen soon and they're confident something will get sorted and we'll see Mainoo sign a new contract.
"He's proved himself in the last few weeks under Carrick and I'd imagine there's a big likelihood of Mainoo signing a new contract sooner rather than later.
"I think something will be resolved in the summer, because he's become a key man for Man United and they're confident of keeping him on.
"The player's happier now with his role and United always wanted to keep him."
Man United planning Bruno Fernandes contract talks
Mainoo is not the only player in line for a new deal at Old Trafford as the club chiefs plan to work on new deals to keep their best players at the club.
Bruno Fernandes, like Mainoo, is another who is set to see his current deal expire in 2027, leading to speculation that he could be set for an early departure.
However, Football Insider revealed on 5 March that Man United are planning contract talks with Fernandes and hope to extend his stay in the Premier League.
The attacking midfielder is expected to have his full focus on representing Portugal at the World Cup, but will sit down to assess his future after the tournament.
Saudi Pro League sides as well as European giants including Bayern Munich are keen to lure him away, but recent performances could see United keep hold of their star man.