Manchester United's position on potential transfers of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho revealed following Chelsea's pursuit
Manc United Holds Firm on Kobbie Mainoo, despite Chelsea Interest
It appears that Man Utd has no intention of letting go of youngster Kobbie Mainoo, despite interest from rivals Chelsea. In the past, Chelsea had expressed interest in Mainoo during the January transfer window, according to reports.
Alejandro Garnacho was close to departing United in January, with both Chelsea and Napoli negotiating a deal for the Argentina international. However, Napoli was unable to reach an agreement on a transfer fee, even after United lowered their asking price to €65 million (£54.8m). Garnacho's salary demands also reportedly scuppered a possible deal with Napoli, as they sought a replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who joined Paris Saint-Germain for €70m (£58.9m).
However, it seems Mainoo's future is less cloudy, with a "growing sense" at United that he will not leave Old Trafford this summer. Although he has three more years left on his contract, reports suggest that he has rejected a new deal with the club. United values Mainoo at a staggering £70m, and his transfer fee could provide significant funds for a squad rebuild under Ruben Amorim.
Amorim reportedly sees Matheus Cunha as his top target to fill the No.10 role in his 3-4-2 system, and United is now eager to activate the £62.5m release clause in Cunha's contract with Wolves. United is also looking to quickly complete a deal for Liam Delap, who could have a £30m relegation release clause in his contract with Ipswich Town.
As for Garnacho's future, insider David Ornstein claims that his departure from United is considered "highly possible" this summer if both parties can agree on a suitable deal.
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Sources:
- "Man Utd remain open to selling Alejandro Garnacho - but Kobbie Mainoo declared 'highly likely stayed'." Dailystar.co.uk
- "Man Utd transfer news LIVE: David de Gea to Real Madrid, Kobbie Mainoo contract uncertainty, Liam Delap, Matheus Cunha." Manchestereveningnews.co.uk
- "Kobbie Mainoo: Manchester United expect midfielder to stay amid Chelsea interest." Theathletic.com
- "Manchester United now looking to act quickly on Matheus Cunha – Wolves deal next?" Transfermarketweb.com
Whilst Manchester United remains firm on Kobbie Mainoo, despite reported interest from Chelsea, Napoli had previously pursued a deal for Alejandro Garnacho, but the negotiations fell through due to issues with the transfer fee and Garnacho's salary demands. Liam Delap could be another player on the move, with Man Utd eager to complete a deal for him, potentially triggering a £30m relegation release clause in his Ipswich Town contract.
