Manchester United would demand a fee of around £70m to part ways with midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, a report has claimed.

United have failed to progress in contract talks with Mainoo, who remains on the £20,000-a-week deal he signed in February 2023, and the pressure on the Red Devils was ramped up by a surprise claim that Chelsea are 'leading the race' for the young midfielder.

It was later claimed that Chelsea could even move for Mainoo this month if the 19-year-old indicates an interest in making the switch to Stamford Bridge.

For United to agree to a sale, however, The Mirror state they would have to be offered a fee of around £70m.

United have no desire to sell Mainoo, whose contract runs until 2027 and includes a one-year extension clause, but recognise the immense financial boost that comes from selling an academy graduate like Mainoo for pure profit.

Concerns over the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules have left United open to approaches for any of their players, although that does not mean valuable assets like Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund will be allowed to leave on the cheap.

Indeed, United hope to tie Mainoo down to a bumper new contract as a reward for his emergence as a key first-team player, although their first proposal is believed to have left the teenager "unhappy".

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