Manchester United’s promising young midfielder, Kobbie Mainoo, has reportedly rejected a new contract offer from the club, casting doubt over his future at Old Trafford.

The 19-year-old, who has already made 60 appearances for the Red Devils and earned 10 caps for the England national team, is said to be leaning towards a move abroad rather than staying in the Premier League.

Mainoo’s current contract, which sees him earning £20,000-a-week, is significantly lower than his first-team colleagues. Despite Manchester United’s efforts to negotiate an improved deal, with a proposed increase to £180,000-a-week, the young midfielder appears to be seeking new challenges outside of England.

The academy product’s decision comes as a surprise to many, especially given his impressive performances last season and his inclusion in the England squad for Euro 2024. However, injuries and being played out of position under manager Ruben Amorim have contributed to his desire for a fresh start.

Manchester United is not entirely opposed to selling Mainoo, as his departure would represent a significant financial boost. The club values him at around £70 million, which would help finance a rebuild under Amorim. The manager has expressed his desire to keep Mainoo but acknowledges the club’s current position and the need for financial stability.

Meanwhile, Chelsea has been closely monitoring the situation and has reportedly sent a transfer message to Manchester United, expressing their interest in Mainoo. The Blues, under the leadership of manager Enzo Maresca, are looking to bolster their midfield options and see Mainoo as a valuable addition to their squad.

Chelsea’s co-owner, Todd Boehly, has also been vocal about the club’s long-term strategy and the need to find the right players to lead the team. With Chelsea’s recent struggles in the Premier League and their failure to sign a striker in the last two transfer windows, the acquisition of Mainoo could provide a much-needed boost to their campaign.

As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Mainoo’s next move. Will he choose to stay at Manchester United and become a key figure in their future plans, or will he seek new opportunities abroad, potentially joining Chelsea? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Kobbie Mainoo’s decision will have a significant impact on the future of both clubs.