Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim says he wants to keep Kobbie Mainoo at the club – but gave no guarantee that this will actually be the case.
The 19-year-old England midfielder was linked with Chelsea earlier this week as a stalemate continued over his planned contract extension.
United officials say they have been focused on securing the futures of Harry Maguire and Amad Diallo, who have been free to speak to foreign clubs since January 1.
The pair have since agreed an extension, but Mainoo will remain on his existing contract, which still runs for two and a half years.
Sources close to the teenager believe they are in a good position to agree to a hefty raise given his improved status as an international player and a regular member of United's starting lineup under Amorim and previously Erik ten Hag.
However, the problem is compounded by what United described as a “tense” situation in terms of profits and sustainability, as well as the knowledge that selling homegrown players creates greater flexibility in signing players within the Premier League's financial rules, which the team adheres to feels obliged from Old Trafford is complicated.
“Our aim is always to retain the best players and the players we are building for this club,” Amorim said ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup trip to Arsenal.
“But we know what situation the club is in at the moment. We’ll see.”
