Man Utd drop Kobbie Mainoo transfer hint

Manchester United have reportedly rekindled their interest in Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney amid fears that Kobbie Mainoo will leave the club this summer.

Mainoo has just over two years remaining on his current contract at Old Trafford and although he is in talks to sign a new deal, the England star is said to be demanding a weekly salary of at least €215,000 (£180,000) to extend his stay with the Red Devils.

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Chelsea are closely monitoring Mainoo’s situation at Man Utd, as they consider a potential summer bid, however the 19-year-old is reportedly eager to leave his boyhood club in order to secure a transfer abroad this summer.

Man Utd are open to selling Mainoo in order to ease their current financial concerns, although they will be forced to dip into the transfer market to sign a replacement if he leaves.

Atalanta’s Ederson, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi are all being monitored by Ruben Amorim’s side, but Hackney has emerged as a potential alternative, according to GiveMeSport.

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The 22-year-old has impressed since his breakthrough at Middlesbrough during the 2022-23 campaign, and he has been regularly linked with a move to the Premier League over the past 12 months, with Arsenal and Liverpool among the clubs interested in finalising a deal.

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Crystal Palace are currently considered to be the frontrunners in the race to sign Hackney this summer, as they prepare for Wharton’s potential departure, although “the dynamic could shift quickly” if Man Utd intensify their interest ahead of the summer window.

The England U21 international has scored five goals and provided two assists so far this season, while his current contract at Middlesbrough is due to expire in 2027.

In addition to Hackney, Man Utd have also been linked with fellow Championship stars Jobe Bellingham, Chris Rigg and James Trafford in recent months, with the Red Devils eager to sign the most talented youngsters in English football.