Man Utd has clear Kobbie Mainoo stance as Chelsea considers $86 ...

Manchester United is optimistic about securing a long-term deal with Kobbie Mainoo amid speculation about his future. United's need to adhere to profit and sustainability rules, where fees for home-grown players count as pure profit on the balance sheet, has raised the possibility of Mainoo leaving.

Boss Ruben Amorim wants Mainoo to stay, and only an offer around $86million (£70million) would convince United to sell its academy graduate, who has been with the club since he was six years old.

Although Mainoo's contract runs until 2027, discussions are underway for a new agreement that would significantly increase his current $25,000 (£20,000)-a-week salary, reflecting his increased importance to the team.

It is believed that Mainoo's representatives are seeking a weekly wage of $250k (£200k) in the new contract, which would place the midfielder among the top five earners at United. Casemiro currently tops the list with a weekly wage of $430k (£350k) followed by Marcus Rashford on $400k (£325k), captain Bruno Fernandes on $370k (£300k) and Mason Mount earning $310k (£250k)

United is confident they can reach a compromise with Mainoo on a pay rise, acknowledging his status as a regular starter under new manager Amorim. Chelsea is keeping an eye on Mainoo's contract situation and could be favorites to sign the England international if United fails to agree on new terms.

Mainoo has become increasingly significant for Manchester United with his 52 outings yielding five goals and an assist over the last year and a half. Although chatter about a renewed contract began as the previous season drew to a close, developments since have been scant, reports the Mirror.

The latest murmurs come against the backdrop of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's cost-cutting mission at Old Trafford. The petrochemical magnate has already handed P45s to 250 staff members and relieved Sir Alex Ferguson of his ambassadorial duties, with player sales now on the agenda.

United’s readiness to entertain offers for their full roster is partly attributed to the apprehension surrounding PSR regulations. Mounting losses before tax totaling £312.9m across triennial seasons have prompted Ratcliffe to consider financial pruning vital for United's revival.

Despite Erik ten Hag's recent splurge on new signings, his successor Amorim is tipped to toe a much finer financial line.

In a candid conversation with United We Stand last month, Ratcliffe underscored the imperative of reining in the club's operational expenses: "We do need to challenge the cost of running this club because what I want to be free for us to do is buy really good footballers, not spend so much of the money on infrastructure. We can't run a business at a loss, which is where United have been in the last couple of years."