New Kobbie Mainoo Chelsea transfer claims made as Man United link speaks volumes

Manchester United turn their attention to the Europa League this evening when they take on Real Sociedad in the first leg of their round of 16 tie in San Sebastian.

On Sunday, Ruben Amorim insisted that the cups were not a priority despite the Europa League representing the last realistic opportunity for United to qualify for the Champions League next season. The financial drop that the Reds will suffer by missing out on the Champions League again and potentially Europe entirely will have an affect on what they can do in the summer transfer window.

MEN Sport's latest look at the headlines shows what business United could be doing should they miss out on European football next season.

According to GiveMeSport, talented United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is only willing to humour the idea of joining Chelsea should they be willing to offer him a significant increase on his wages. It is believed that Mainoo would want wages totalling £180,000 per week if he was to consider moving to Stamford Bridge.

Currently, it is understood the midfielder is on £20,000 per week at United but the club has been looking to improve his deal and tie him down to a longer agreement.

What MEN Sport says: In January, we reported that Mainoo was unhappy with his current wages at Old Trafford and that is understandable considering his importance to the team. It is believed he was also unhappy with the initial offer from the club to tie him down to the Reds but that's perhaps just the opening salvo of the negotiations.

Mainoo would not be the first nor last player to use another club's interest to help improve his negotiation position and the fact he is only reportedly willing to consider Chelsea if they seriously improve his wages suggests he may