Brighton & Hove Albion have reportedly held talks with representatives of Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo to discuss a possible deal for the Englishman before the end of the transfer window.
The 20-year-old has been an unused substitute in Man United's first two matches of their 2025-26 Premier League campaign, and there is currently speculation surrounding his future at Old Trafford.
Mainoo's existing deal with the Red Devils is due to expire in June 2027, and there has not yet been any progress in discussions over a potential new contract at the club.
The midfielder is said to be unhappy at his situation in Manchester and would be willing to leave the 20-time English champions before this summer's transfer window closes for business.
Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid have been linked with Mainoo, with the pair thought to be weighing up loan moves for the England international before the end of the transfer market.
Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo on January 5, 2025
Brighton 'hold talks' over Mainoo move
According to FootballTransfers, there is also firm interest from the Premier League in the shape of Brighton, with the Seagulls giving serious consideration to making a move for the midfielder before the transfer deadline.
The report claims that discussions have already taken place with Mainoo's representatives, and the player is believed to be open to joining the Seagulls on a permanent basis.
Man United could allegedly look to use Brighton's interest in Mainoo to ensure that they are in pole position to sign Carlos Baleba during next summer's transfer window.
The Red Devils had been pushing to sign Baleba earlier this month before accepting defeat in their bid to bring in the Cameroon international due to the cost of the deal.
Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo on December 19, 2024
Selling Mainoo would be a mistake by Man United
Man United head coach Ruben Amorim said after the clash with Fulham on Sunday that Mainoo is currently competing with Bruno Fernandes for a spot in the side.
"He's fighting for the position now with Bruno," Amorim told reporters.
Mainoo has a record of seven goals and two assists in 72 appearances for Man United, and although his career has stalled over the last 12 months, it would be a huge mistake for the Red Devils to sell him.
The youngster is capable of becoming a dominant central midfielder in the coming years, and it would send completely the wrong message to the club's supporters if he was allowed to leave.
An exit before the end of the summer transfer window is viewed as a genuine possibility, but Mainoo should be given some valuable minutes in Wednesday's EFL Cup second-round clash with Grimsby Town.
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