Kobbie Mainoo is yet to tie his future down to boyhood club Manchester United - now reports sensationally say Chelsea are heading the race to capitalise.

With the January transfer window up and running, clubs such as Chelsea are not only looking at what is directly in front of them but must make informed strategies for the long-term as well.

In Man United's case, that seems to be tying 19-year-old Mainoo down to a multi-year deal, beyond the contract he already has through to 2027. But at the moment they are no closer to wrapping this up, so the Blues and other rivals will be switched on to the situation.

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Colleagues at the Manchester Evening News have reported that during the previous summer transfer window, he was one of four players that were never considered for sale at Old Trafford.

That stance may have to change if the time comes for Man United to face a similar situation Stamford Bridge chiefs did when Mason Mount or Conor Gallagher ran down their contracts in recent times. Chelsea would be able to offer a bright talent like Mainoo many things if he were to arrive.

For a start, it is looking possible that Champions League football could return to West London next season - something that his current team will most certainly not be able to provide and has been outlined as one personal driving factor.

Another thing is Man United have so-far not handed their boy wonder is his 'dream' midfield partner.

Last April the England international told his club's website: "I'd say Paul Scholes [is my dream partner]. Although there might not be a lot defending between the two of us!

"But, yes, Scholes. Scholes - definitely. [Because of] everything. His passing, his movement, the way he could finish. His intelligence. Yes, he was a great player."

As the player wisely pointed out, it would be detrimental to line up himself with another attack-minded midfielder without the necessary defensive cover between the pair of them.

So dealing with ideals instead of dreams, Man United have not provided Mainoo with a sufficient defensive midfield partner - they still struggle between an ageing Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and newly-signed Manuel Ugarte.

Chelsea though can readily give Mainoo the means to unlock his full potential, with either Moises Caicedo or Romeo Lavia doing the dirty work in the engine room so that he is able to provide newfound flair - an alternative to Enzo Fernandez, perhaps.