One very surprising transfer rumour involving Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo emerged on Tuesday afternoon.

It was widely reported that Chelsea are interested in signing Kobbie Mainoo from their Premier League rivals.

Despite being just 19 years of age, Mainoo is an important player for Manchester United and played a huge role in the little bit of success that the club were able to enjoy last season.

It was the England international’s goal that proved to be the difference in United’s 2-1 FA Cup final win against Manchester City. That victory had ramifications for Chelsea, seeing them drop down from the Europa League to the Conference League.

Kobbie Mainoo wants to stay at Manchester United

Chelsea may have some convincing to do if they want to lure Mainoo to Stamford Bridge.

According to journalist Simon Phillips, while the Blues do have an interest in Mainoo, his preference, for the time being, is to remain at United.

Writing on his Substack Si Phillips Talks Chelsea, Phillips posted: “Just interest and agent contact to let them know we would be keen if something is viable. Nothing is advanced and United are still pushing for him to sign a new contract with them. His preference at the moment is to stay in Manchester.”

Midfield is an area Enzo Maresca wants to strengthen, though it is highly unlikely that Chelsea will be able to sign Mainoo this month. United will not want to lose one of their star players in the middle of the season.

Cole Palmer would welcome Kobbie Mainoo to Chelsea

If Chelsea do somehow manage to pull off the signing of Mainoo from United, Cole Palmer will be delighted.

The attacking midfielder is a huge fan of his England teammate, telling GQ last year: “He knows I think he was the best player at the Euros. And obviously what he’s doing for one of the biggest clubs in the world…”

Mainoo also appreciates Palmer and what he done last season. In the same interview with GQ, he said: “It’s been crazy in his first full season for the club — to be up there in goals and assists and goal involvements. It’s massive.”

Possessing Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia, Maresca already has good midfield options.

However, his pool of midfielders could be about to get even better as Chelsea target Mainoo. United will be reluctant to do business with their rivals, but this looks like it could be something to keep an eye on.