Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has been linked with a move to Chelsea
Manchester United turn their attention to the Europa League this evening when they take on Real Sociedad in the first leg of their round of 16 tie in San Sebastian.
On Sunday, Ruben Amorim insisted that the cups were not a priority despite the Europa League representing the last realistic opportunity for United to qualify for the Champions League next season. The financial drop that the Reds will suffer by missing out on the Champions League again and potentially Europe entirely will have an affect on what they can do in the summer transfer window.
MEN Sport's latest look at the headlines shows what business United could be doing should they miss out on European football next season.
Mainoo contract claims latest
According to GiveMeSport, talented United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is only willing to humour the idea of joining Chelsea should they be willing to offer him a significant increase on his wages. It is believed that Mainoo would want wages totalling £180,000 per week if he was to consider moving to Stamford Bridge.
Currently, it is understood the midfielder is on £20,000 per week at United but the club has been looking to improve his deal and tie him down to a longer agreement.
What MEN Sport says: In January, we reported that Mainoo was unhappy with his current wages at Old Trafford and that is understandable considering his importance to the team. It is believed he was also unhappy with the initial offer from the club to tie him down to the Reds but that's perhaps just the opening salvo of the negotiations.
Mainoo would not be the first nor last player to use another club's interest to help improve his negotiation position and the fact he is only reportedly willing to consider Chelsea if they seriously improve his wages suggests he may not have his heart set on leaving United if at all possible.
United considering Real Madrid goalkeeper
According to Spanish media outlet Sport, United are now interested in potentially signing Real Madrid back-up goalkeeper Andriy Lunin in the summer. It is believed the La Liga giants would need a bid of £16.7m to be submitted before they decided to let him go.
The 26-year-old's involvement has been limited mainly to the Copa del Rey this season as Thibaut Courtois holds the No.1 position at the Bernabeu.
What MEN Sport says: Supposed interest from United in Lunin speaks volumes for what the Reds perhaps think of their current goalkeeper Andre Onana. The Cameroonian does make some sensational saves and at times he looks brilliant. However, he was bought to improve distribution from the back but more often than not he goes long.
Meanwhile, some of the errors he has made since arriving have not inspired confidence in him. Should Lunin arrive, there is a good chance that Onana may be the one who is moved on before Altay Bayindir who impressed for the Reds as a back-up in the FA Cup against Arsenal.
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