Manchester United have been given a boost in their hopes of holding on to the Chelsea transfer target.

Chelsea have been sent a potentially fatal transfer blow in the pursuit of Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo just hours after it emerged that the Blues were in 'pole position' to sign the player from their Premier League rivals.

Those transfer rumours broke on Tuesday with suggestions that United were not able to reach a new contract agreement with the England international. However, a fresh report from Sky Sports on Wednesday claims that the 19-year-old has 'no concerns' over his future at Old Trafford.

An update shared on social media platform X by Sky Sports News read: "Kobbie Mainoo has no concerns over his Manchester United future, amid reports the club may need to cash in on academy players to comply with financial rules, Sky Sports News understands."

Chelsea said to be frontrunners for Man Utd swoop

That comes after The Daily Mail claimed that Manchester United had reached a 'stalemate' in contract negotiations with Mainoo. The outlet had touted a January sale or an exit at the end of the current campaign.

Enzo Maresca's side were supposedly in 'pole position' to sign the player but it was maintained that the Red Devils were hopeful that they would reach a breakthrough with Mainoo, who signed a new contract with the club last year.

Since then, his importance in the first team squad has increased and his head-turning performances for England at Euro 2024 have highlighted the need for an updated deal. His current contract doesn't expire until June 2027 but is not a fair reflection of what Mainoo is bringing to the football club.

Speaking after his impressive summer of international football, former United boss Erik ten Hag had said: “He collected such good experiences [at the Euros] and those experiences will help him to become a better player, 100 per cent.

"Where do I see him? The perfect midfielder is one who is very good in attacking, very good in defending. He’s a player who can do that. He can play as an attacking midfielder and also as a holding midfielder.

“We have to see from situation to situation and occasion to occasion who is available, the opponents, where we can hurt the opponent or take some strength from the opponent, where we use the players. So with Kobbie, we can use him as an attacking midfielder or a holding midfielder. In approaching games, this is what’s needed."

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.

Kobbie Mainoo stamina questioned by Premier League legend

The Mail added that Mainoo also 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.

The teenager has made 17 appearances across all competitions this season and has started the last six Premier League fixtures under Ruben Amorim. However, he has managed 90 minutes on just two occasions. That apparent lack of stamina was commented on by Red Devils legend Paul Scholes this week.

The former midfielder, who ran the engine room for United under Sir Alex Ferguson, told Premier League Productions: "Mainoo with his legs has to be a worry. He doesn't finish a lot of games."