Chelsea ‘ready to pounce’ for £70m midfielder wanted by Bayern Munich amid 'financial' concerns

Chelsea will aim to bounce back at the weekend after they went winless for a fifth Premier League match in a row. They drew 2-2 with Bournemouth on Tuesday night, leaving them fourth in the table. Enzo Maresca’s side are 10 points and a game in hand behind Liverpool, leaving many to believe that they will look to add reinforcements whilst the January transfer window remains open.

They have been linked with Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, and are said to have contacted his representatives in an attempt to lure him away from Old Trafford amid ongoing contract talks with the 19-year-old.

He is under contract for two-and-a-half years at United, but has so far not agreed a new deal from the club, sparking rumours that Mainoo could leave Old Trafford, should his head get turned by the likes of Chelsea.

Manchester United could sell Mainoo to ease PSR pressures

With the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, any academy-developed player will ensure ‘pure profit’ for a selling team. Reports have emerged suggesting that United could sell both Marcus Rashford and Mainoo in order to comply with the rules. According to the Telegraph, United’s Premier League rivals, such as Chelsea “anticipate co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wanting to avoid frantic sales on June 30 later this year to stay within financial rules.”

It means that there could be opportunity for January transfers for both Mainoo and Rashford, the latter looks more likely to leave on a loan deal, with AC Milan emerging as the front-runners. Arsenal have been said to be interested in Rashford too. The report says that Chelsea are ‘ready to pounce’ in order to sign Mainoo, who has made 14 Premier League appearances this season for the Red Devils. His market value is expected to be around the £46m mark, with the likelihood that United will demand a much higher fee for the 19-year-old.

Bayern Munich targeting move for Mainoo ahead of Chelsea

Chelsea aren’t the only European giants said to be considering a swoop for the United midfielder, as Bayern Munich are also reportedly keen. According to a report by the Sun, Bayern want to sign Mainoo from United during the January transfer window, as they aim to strengthen their squad in an attempt to win the Bundesliga this season, after missing out last year.

Mainoo could join England teammate Harry Kane at the Allianz Arena, the England captain has scored 15 goals in 14 league games for the German giants so far this term. He is reportedly demanding a wage of £200,000 per week at Manchester United, which is a huge upgrade on his current £20,000 per week deal at Old Trafford. If Sir Jim Ratcliffe deems his demands too high, the United owner could decide to sell Mainoo in order to generate pure profit, with his mind on the Premier League’s PSR rules.