Manchester United would be open to an ‘exceptional offer’ from Chelsea for Kobbie Mainoo in the January transfer window, according to reports.
The 20-year-old is yet to start a game in the Premier League this season and appears to be on course to leave Old Trafford in the upcoming window.
Mainoo was keen on joining Napoli on loan in the closing stages of the summer window, however, United blocked the move as they were unable to sign a replacement.
The Serie A champions have retained their interest in Mainoo ahead of January but are expected to face strong competition.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have Mainoo on their list of central midfield targets as they look to provide more competition for Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo.
Get personalised updates on Manchester United every day
Wake up to find news on your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your team in the link so we can send you football news tailored to you.
United had ruled out selling Mainoo earlier this year, however, the Daily Mail report that the club have now changed their stance and the midfielder would be allowed to leave if an ‘exceptional offer’ is received next month and a replacement can be signed.
The report adds that Mainoo’s relationship with United ‘is at breaking point’ and the midfielder would consider a move away either on loan or on a permanent deal.
On Monday, Mainoo’s half-brother, former Love Island contestant Jordan Mainoo-Hames, was seen wearing a T-shirt printed with the message ‘Free Kobbie Mainoo’ at Old Trafford during United’s 4-4 draw with Bournemouth.
Speaking on Friday, Ruben Amorim played down the incident and insisted that Mainoo would not be punished.
‘It was not Kobbie that wore the t-shirt,’ Amorim said.
‘He is not going to start because of the t-shirt, but he’s not going to the bench because of the t-shirt. He’s going to play if we feel that he is the right guy to play. So, that is not an issue.
‘I’m used to [it], I’m here for a year, it’s not new, so we have to deal with that. But I’m not going to do something to Kobbie because someone in his family is doing something. He’s going to be the same, if he’s the right guy to play, he’s going to play.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.