Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo amid concerns over Romeo Lavia's fitness.
Mainoo's Man United future is currently shrouded in uncertainty despite having a contract at Old Trafford until the summer of 2027, with an option to extend by a further 12 months.
Talks have taken place over a new deal on improved terms, but there is a belief that Mainoo could turn down a fresh contract in favour of pursuing a move abroad.
Mainoo, who currently earns around £20,000, is said to be asking for around £180,000 a week in contract negotiations, which is a figure they are reluctant to meet due to their concerns over meeting the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability (PSR) rules.
Selling the 19-year-old could help ease Man United's PSR concerns because his sale would be noted as pure profit due to his status as an academy product.
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Chelsea eyeing summer move for Mainoo
There is a belief that the Red Devils will demand a fee in the region of £70m if they listen to offers for Mainoo this summer.
While Mainoo could seek a move abroad, he could be given the opportunity to move to another Premier League club ahead of the 2025-26 season.
According to Caught Offside, Chelsea are 'preparing to step up their pursuit' of Mainoo in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The report claims that Enzo Maresca's side are keeping tabs on the midfielder's uncertain contract situation at Old Trafford.
Chelsea believe that Mainoo can 'add quality and balance' to their midfield department, although there is a suggestion that his wage demands could prove to be a stumbling block.
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Could Mainoo replace Lavia?
Their pursuit of Mainoo appears to be influenced by their growing concern over Lavia's long-term fitness.
The Belgium international has experienced a number of injury issues since he completed a £58m transfer from Southampton in August 2023.
Lavia was restricted to just one appearance in his first season at Stamford Bridge, while he has only featured on 12 occasions during the current campaign.
The 21-year-old returned from an eight-game injury absence to be an unused substitute in Sunday's 1-0 Premier League win over Leicester City.
