Manchester United have opened fresh talks with Kobbie Mainoo over a new deal, according to the Daily Mail.
The 19-year-old wants a pay rise to £180,000-a-week plus bonuses to renew his contract.
United are hopeful of convincing him that his long-term future is at the club and of reaching a compromise.
Mainoo believes his proposed salary fairly reflects his growing stature, both at the club and as a key figure in the England squad.
He was ‘unhappy‘ with the initial terms offered by the Red Devils earlier this year.
The teenager has cemented his place in the first team, with his crowning moment coming when he netted the FA Cup winner against Manchester City last season.
His impact extends beyond club football, as he played a pivotal role in England’s run to the 2024 European Championship final.
Mainoo signed his current four-year deal in 2023, but United have the option to extend it by another year.
He was the subject of transfer speculation in January, with Chelsea reportedly interested in signing him.
The London outfit ‘hold Mainoo in high regard and he is on a list of possible transfer targets‘, opening the door for a future move.
Manager Ruben Amorim has deployed the £46 million-rated ace in a more advanced role rather than as a deep-lying midfielder.
He was operating in an attacking midfield before a muscle injury ruled him out until April.
Amorim faces a shortage of attacking options, with only Rasmus Hojlund, Joshua Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho available to lead the charge.
Marcus Rashford and Antony departed on loan in January, further depleting United’s attacking depth.
Amad Diallo also suffered a setback in training last month and is expected to miss the rest of the season.
Mainoo is undoubtedly a key player for United, but awarding him a £180,000-a-week salary at this stage may not be the most prudent decision.
The club hierarchy must engage in careful negotiations with the academy starlet and propose a more balanced offer closer to £120,000 per week.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
