Chelsea may have their work cut out if they are to convince Kobbie Mainoo to ditch boyhood club Manchester United, even amid a contract negotiation that gradually increases their chances.

could add yet another talented young player to his midfield of Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, suggest new reports. , who is said to be on the club's radar whilst contract talks with current side Man United are ongoing.

So far there has been no breakthrough on extending the deal that ends in summer 2027 - or two-and-half years' time.

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Man United may feel that is more than enough time to convince their star boy to renew, though the Blues would be the first club to attest it not being as easy as first thought.

They have watched both Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher sold at the last possible chance after both homegrown academy graduates stalled to remain at Stamford Bridge.

A huge factor is said to be Champions League football, with the 19-year-old seeking that to elevate his career to the highest level. Whilst both clubs are not in this season's edition, it is Chelsea who are better primed to get back amongst Europe's elite in the quickest time possible.

However, convincing a player to walk away from his home town and the club he has played for since nine-years-old is an entirely difficult target.

From the outset Mainoo has been crystal clear that playing for Man United is all that he could have ever asked for.

"It is a dream come true. It is a tough place to come. We had to get the win. I have still not come down from it. I still feel like I am dreaming, to be honest," Mainoo told TNT Sports after netting a 97th-minute winner vs Wolves in February 2024.

He added: "To start playing in the Premier League for my boyhood club has been amazing. Now it's about trying to win more games."

He has now clocked up 52 appearances in red, with many more sure to come before his current deal is up. Chelsea will have to play the waiting game if they are to back their rivals into a corner.