Chelsea ‘would pay Man Utd star £150k-a-week’ as stand-off rumbles on

Chelsea ‘would pay Man Utd star £150k-a-week’ as stand-off rumbles on

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Manchester United prodigy and Chelsea transfer target Kobbie Mainoo could be eyeing the Old Trafford exit amid a stand-off over contract talks. With two years left on his deal, speculation has been rife about the 19-year-old's future.

Negotiations over a renewal are ongoing between Mainoo's camp and United, yet reports claim that the youngster might reject an offer from his club in order to move abroad. Additionally, there’s talk of United considering a sale if they can command a £70million fee, with Chelsea’s rumoured interest adding fuel to the fire.

Ex-United shot-stopperBen Foster has voiced concerns about potential discontent brewing for Mainoo due to the slow pace of contract discussions. The midfielder currently earns a modest £20,000 a week – an amount dwarfed by underperforming team-mates such as Casemiro and Mason Mount earning £350,000 and £250,000 respectively.

Despite enduring some shaky moments this season, Foster believes Mainoo has the potential to be a "world-beater". However, he said the salary gap could risk causing internal strife after expressing his belief that Chelsea would be willing to pay Mainoo up to £150,000-per-week.

"It must really annoy Kobbie Mainoo, because he must be looking around at some of the players that are on crazy wages that are nowhere near as good as him," the former Wrexham goalkeeper said on his Fozcast podcast. "They don't put in any of the performances that he puts in, and they're earning three, four, five or even six times the amount he is.

"I thought that after the Euros, he was going to go on to be a world beater this season. I still think there's a world beater there as well and it's probably mental fatigue or a bit of burnout. I think we will see an absolute player."

It's been reported that Mainoo's representatives are seeking a weekly wage package of around £150,000 from United. However, doubts have been cast over whether such a deal is feasible given Sir Jim Ratcliffe's aim of reducing first-team salaries, which would put Chelsea on alert.

Foster made his comments despite questioning the strength of Mainoo's bargaining position, with United having the option of an additional year. He added: "He's not in any position right now because of circumstances to go making demands.

"He's still got three years left on his contract with an option. If he was at Chelsea, he'd be on £150,000-per-week, so that's his argument. But then the club come at it from their perspective and go, 'well, you've still got three years left on your contract'."

While no direct contact has been made with other clubs, the uncertainty surrounding Mainoo's contract situation is expected to attract attention from teams across Europe. Last year, Spanish outlet Don Diario reported that La Liga giants Real Madrid had taken notice of Mainoo.

Before his standout season last year, the midfielder had a spell on the sidelines due to injury. During this period, Mainoo decided to learn Spanish to keep himself busy.

In a conversation with The Telegraph last summer, Mainoo revealed that he began taking Spanish lessons via Zoom while recovering. He admitted that it was tough to maintain once he returned to the pitch, but it's a pursuit he enjoyed and hopes to continue.

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