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Chelsea, Tottenham better-placed than Real Madrid to sign 20-year-old Manchester United whizkid

Chelsea and Tottenham are believed to be ahead of Real Madrid in the pursuit of Manchester United midfield sensation Kobbie Mainoo.

According to Dean Jones via TEAMtalk, Chelsea and Tottenham are more realistic options for Kobbie Mainoo than Real Madrid if he does end up leaving Manchester United in the near future. The English international is not a regular feature under Ruben Amorim, and he seems keen on making a move away from the club.

Mainoo has come up the ranks at the Manchester-based club. The Englishman got promoted to their first team at the start of 2023, and he has only gone from strength to strength since. He broke into the senior team under Erik ten Hag and was a prominent figure in the team during the Dutch manager’s stint at the club.

Kobbie Mainoo has gone down the pecking order

A lot has changed since the arrival of Ruben Amorim. The 20-year-old is no longer a guaranteed starter, and he has been informed that he will have to compete with skipper Bruno Fernandes for a place in the starting XI.

Given how things have panned out under the Portuguese manager, Kobbie Mainoo was keen on securing a move away in the summer. Tottenham were one of the clubs interested in him, and they did test the waters regarding a potential loan move. However, United turned down their approach.

Having been on the pitch for just 76 minutes in his three league outings, Mainoo remains keen on securing a move away. Tottenham, Chelsea, and Real Madrid are believed to be the three biggest contenders for his signature.

Los Blancos have been linked with Kobbie Mainoo in recent weeks as Xabi Alonso looks to bring in a new defensive midfielder. The Spanish giants’ chief scout, Juni Calafat, is expected to keep a close eye on him in the coming months.

Jones’ take on Mainoo’s future

While reports suggest the team in white are ready to break the bank to sign Kobbie Mainoo, Dean Jones feels Tottenham and Chelsea are more realistic options for the 20-year-old.

The transfer expert said, “It’s important to note that Mainoo would not cost the £70m (€80.3m, $94.3m) I have seen touted recently. His contract situation does not reflect that in the market and nor does the importance United are putting on him.

“So, some teams will be looking at him as a potentially good value pick up. There’s nothing concrete in the links with Madrid right now, but many teams are watching his situation and this upcoming decision on a transfer is a tricky one. Personally, I would look at Spurs or Chelsea as more realistic potential landing spots but I’m told he still really wants United to work out as his priority.”

Premier League rivals could land Mainoo

Signing Kobbie Mainoo will require a significant investment, and Dean Jones feels Spurs and Chelsea are more likely to sign him than Real Madrid, as there is nothing concrete about the Spanish giants’ interest in him.

Thomas Frank seeks more quality in the centre of the park and considers Mainoo an ideal fit for his system. Meanwhile, the Manchester United graduate is also on Chelsea’s wishlist as he is considered a perfect fit for their project, which revolves around signing the best young stars.

While both London clubs are keen on his signature, it will be interesting to see if Manchester United change their stance in the near future. Meanwhile, Mainoo has been urged to continue at Old Trafford as Amorim’s job is already up in the air following a poor start to the new season.

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