Chelsea are the frontrunners to sign Kobbie Mainoo if the midfielder decides to leave Manchester United, it has been claimed. The 19-year-old has two-and-a-half years left on his contract at Old Trafford, but the club have reached a stalemate in talks over fresh terms with his representatives.

Mainoo, who has been at United since 2011, last signed a long-term contract in February 2023 - a month after making his full debut against Charlton in the Carabao Cup. He made his first Premier League start at Everton in the November of that year and has since cemented himself as one of United's most important players.

He made his 50th United first-team appearance against Wolves last month and starred during their 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday. But there is some uncertainty around Mainoo's long-term future at United, with clubs in the Premier League - including Chelsea - lining up a potential move for the teenager.

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According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea want to sign Mainoo and are in pole position to secure his signature should he decide to depart United. The Blues have signed the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo over the last couple of years and are keen to add Mainoo to their already talented squad.

As for United, it's reported that they hope to reach a compromise with Mainoo to keep him at the club. He has been in talks about a new deal that would reflect his status as a first-team regular and England international, having started the Euro 2024 final against Spain last July.

It's also added that Mainoo is concerned about his chances of playing Champions League football if he remains at Old Trafford. United sit 13th in the Premier League right now, having collected just 23 points from their opening 20 matches. They are a mammoth 13 points behind fourth-place Chelsea.