Chelsea offered Dusan Vlahovic: Check. Paris Saint-Germain interested in Christopher Nkunku: Tick. Chelsea to recall 'insert underperforming loan star's name here': Yes.

The January transfer window bingo card is filling up nicely and it's only been one week. Chelsea plot ambitious swoop for former academy player sold a few years ago: We're almost there.

Chelsea lead the race for Kobbie Mainoo: Hold on. This was not expected. There is probably a reason, or, more accurately, many reasons, for that, as well.

We are just over 12 months on from Mainoo's Manchester United debut. That game was overshadowed by two things; Everton's protests against the Premier League after being docked an initial 12 points for breaching financial rules, and Alejandro Garnacho's overhead kick goal of the season winner four minutes in.

In the middle of the noise, an 18-year-old Mainoo toddled around the pitch, passing and moving, bobbing and weaving. He was flawlessly composed, picking the ball up from Andre Onana under whatever form of press Sean Dyche could orchestrate. He was mightily impressive.

Such is Mainoo's rise from relative unknown - although extremely highly rated in academy circles - to international undroppable and United keystone, it is easy to forget just how short his senior career is. He has played a lot of football in the year since debuting at Goodison Park, but a baby-faced Mainoo is still just that in the wider scheme of things.

That the flux and demands of United have meant he has needed to take on the guise of a professional over double his age does not mean this should be forgotten. Mainoo is still a kid, really. He shouldn't have to deal with the problems thrust upon him by those who thought pairing Casemiro and Christian Eriksen together would be a suitable midfield.

With great expectation comes great responsibility, though, and with great responsibility comes great expectation. When you're good, or even vaguely competent, at United, you are left with these things.

So, for any Chelsea fans who have perhaps watched Mainoo this year wondering what all the fuss is about, and a case of second-season syndrome, there are mitigating factors. That doesn't make this transfer story any more plausible or understandable.

It is reported that the club are leading the race to sign Mainoo if he leaves United. They are the most advanced should an exit come. There is a lot of uncertainty, ifs, buts, and maybes. Could, should, and would, are also key words.

The crux of it is that yes, of course Chelsea are interested in Mainoo. Who wouldn't be? Clubs and scouts across the world would love to have him. Chelsea, no doubt, are one of those. Chelsea would also, at this time, probably love to own Marc Guehi rather than have to sign him, or Victor Osimhen, maybe even Kylian Mbappe.

Good players are good, and clubs are not oblivious to this. It just means a lot more when it is actively written about, especially during a transfer window and with a touted move as big as this.

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Chelsea, frankly, would be a bit silly not to think Mainoo is good, and therefore would also be silly not to have a vested interest in what happens with his current contract 'stand-off', of sorts. Ultimately, after penning a new deal almost two years ago, he still has until June 2027 left.

There are issues with letting a player get to within the last two years, Chelsea know that, but this is not exactly a ticking time bomb just yet. In fact, when December's reports of United struggling to agree fresh terms with Mainoo and Garnacho are considered, this all becomes a bit agenda-driven.

Where has Chelsea's admiration for Mainoo come from? It smells immensely of agent work. That doesn't mean any of it isn't true, but must be factored in before deciding that Enzo Maresca is about to add the midfield cover he desperately needs, and do it at the expense of a drifting rival, too.

Mainoo's camp have a role to play in pushing United, when things get tough, towards what they want. If that means disclosing Chelsea's slightly more public love of their client, then so be it. Over to you, Old Trafford decision-makers, we have a suitor for your star.

For Chelsea, there must also be a recruitment question here. Not only would Mainoo cost a lot - not to say he isn't worth a lot - but the midfield reserves are hardly short, even if Maresca only has access directly to two who are readily available and regularly. On loan at RC Strasbourg they have Andrey Santos, maybe the top-performing loanee at any club across Europe. That is not it, either.

Lesley Ugochukwu played a squad role last season to cover for Romeo Lavia's injuries. His time at Southampton hasn't gone to plan yet, but with time he might be able to do a job behind Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez. Carney Chukwuemeka cannot get a minute of competitive action, whilst Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is exiled.

Chelsea do have choices, but right now the head coach is simply not making them. Then there is Sam Rak-Sakyi. He has a lot of Mainoo - and Billy Gilmour - about him. Tricky on the ball, slight but tenacious. Yet to find his best position - but like Mainoo, possibly better suited further forward than as a pivot collecting play from the defence - Rak-Sakyi has looked at ease in men's football on the few occasions when called on.

Given how quickly Mainoo came to prominence, it might be worth looking at just what Rak-Sakyi can do before turning attention elsewhere for another big-money youngster. The profile of Mainoo, as well, just isn't really lacking from the Chelsea squad.

So, Mainoo coming in wasn't on the bingo card for a lot of reasons, and there's enough to suggest it won't make it over the line or see the light of day. Never say never, though, especially not with Chelsea.