Chelsea in 'pole position' to sign Man Utd player as Bournemouth confirm transfer ahead Stamford Bridge trip

Chelsea are said to be 'leading the chase' to sign breakthrough Manchester United talent Kobbie Mainoo in what would be a blockbuster piece of business in poaching the England international from their Premier League rivals.

The Daily Mail reports that the Red Devils have reached a 'stalemate' with Mainoo in contract talks, which has piqued the interest of Europe's top clubs. The outlet touts a potential sale either in January or the end of the season as a result.

Chelsea are said to be in 'pole position' to sign the 19-year-old should an agreement not be reached with Manchester United, but the club are still hopeful that they are able to reach a breakthrough in talks and hold on to their homegrown talent.

Man Utd contract talks with Kobbie Mainoo stall

Mainoo signed a new contract at Old Trafford last year and is currently tied down in the North West until June 2027, but he has progressed significantly since that agreement. The player is therefore in need of a new contract to better reflect his contribution to the first team and status as an England regular.

Manchester United are fighting to keep their wage bill down and looking to offload big earners such as Casemiro, Marcus Rashford and Antony this month. The departure of those players could prove vital in providing wiggle room for fruitful contract talks with Mainoo.

The Mail does add that Mainoo has reservations over the direction of the club under new Ruben Amorim management with Champions League football looking increasingly unlikely. The club currently sits 13th place in the Premier League.

Cole Palmer was regarded as a rising star when making the bold decision to leave Manchester City for Chelsea in 2023 and he has flourished at Stamford Bridge. The thought of a similar trajectory under a Blues side impressing with Enzo Maresca at the helm could tempt Mainoo into a similar move.

AFC Bournemouth sign defender ahead of Chelsea clash

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Chelsea's upcoming opponents AFC Bournemouth have completed their latest piece of January transfer business to recruit a first team star who could face Maresca's side next week.

The Cherries have forked out an initial £6.6 million to bring Julio Soler to the Vitality Stadium from Lanus in Argentina. The defender has put pen to paper on a long-term contract with his transfer price potentially rising to £11.5 million if add-ons are met.

The Argentine under-23 international played all four games for Javier Mascherano's side in their run to the quarter-finals of the 2024 Olympics. AFC Bournemouth technical director Simon Francis said: "Julio is another talented young player who arrives highly sought after and we are pleased to have added him to our squad. With the way Andoni [Iraola] and his staff improve exciting prospects, we look forward to seeing Julio's progress with us."

Chelsea take on AFC Bournemouth on Tuesday, January 14 under the lights at Stamford Bridge. Just three places and three points separate the two sides following a winless run of four matches for the Blues.

The two sides last met on the south coast in September, when Chelsea recorded a 1-0 win away from home thanks to a Christopher Nkunku goal.