Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo wants to stay at his boyhood club after reports linking him with a transfer away.

United opened contract talks with Mainoo's camp in March last year and negotiations were heading in the right direction before stalling, which has led to uncertainty over his future.

Mainoo has been linked with Chelsea and United must operate within profit and sustainability rules (PSR). The Manchester Evening News understands Mainoo wants to stay at Old Trafford, although that is set to require an improved contract offer from the club after discussions.

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The midfielder has been focussed on his performances for United and England while contract talks have been ongoing and there was no rush last year due the performance-related bonuses in Mainoo's current contract having been triggered, but still no resolution has been found.

Talks are set to continue between both parties and Mainoo's camp believe he deserves better terms than the club have offered following his rise to prominence in the last 18 months.

Mainoo signed a new contract in February 2023, which expires in 2027, with the option of an additional year, and United sources say they do not want to drive him out of the club.

However, the sale of the academy graduate represents 'total profit', which will help United operate within PSR rules, and other Premier League clubs have been forced to sell young talent.

After the emergence of Alejandro Garnacho, who is also no longer deemed as an 'unsellable' player, Mainoo has been the biggest academy success story of recent years.

Mainoo made his Premier League debut against Everton in November 2023 and subsequently enjoyed a breakout season, which saw him make the England squad for Euro 2024.

The 19-year-old started in every game after the tournament's group stage and Gareth Southgate described Mainoo as 'exceptional', also saying England 'hadn't really had a player like him until now'.

Mainoo scored the winner in the FA Cup final against Manchester City before that tournament, but this season has been stop-start for the Stockport-born lad after a muscle injury.

Ruben Amorim has started Mainoo in started in five of his 12 games, but Mainoo sent a reminder of his talent when delivering a strong performance against Liverpool at the weekend.