Man Utd are “optimistic of agreeing a deal” with midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, according to reports.
TalkSPORT claim that the Red Devils are set to open talks with the 20-year-old over a contract extension.
Mainoo has just under 18 months left on his current deal, although United do have the option to trigger a clause, which would keep him until 2028.
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Even so, the club are keen to offer the player a salary rise. He is reportedly taking home just £25,000 a week, excluding bonuses, which puts him among the lowest paid in the first-team squad.
Mainoo could see his wage increase to over £100,000 a week
It is believed that United are prepared to “quadruple” his current salary, which means he should be earning over six figures per week for the first time in his career.
Mainoo is keen on staying at Old Trafford, having started every single game since the appointment of Michael Carrick as interim manager.
After being on the periphery under predecessor Ruben Amorim, he is now regarded as one of the club’s key players.
How close was the midfielder to leaving Man Utd?
Mainoo did have plenty of suitors who were keen on taking him off the club’s hands. Serie A champions Napoli were said to be among the favourites to sign him, while the likes of Chelsea, Tottenham and Newcastle had shown an interest in the past.
However, talkSPORT say that United have never considered selling the England international at any point. If Amorim had stayed, there was a chance he could have been loaned out during the January transfer window.
Now, though, it appears Mainoo is set to remain in Manchester for the long term. There is confidence that a new contract can be agreed before the summer.
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