Man Utd 'preparing' new contract for breakout star as Arsenal 'join race' for £34m midfielder

Manchester United are back on the road this weekend and face a tricky away trip to Aston Villa in the Premier League. Erik ten Hag has overseen three straight wins across all competitions but is yet to record a fourth all season - doing so on Sunday would close the gap on their top-four rivals.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment in the club is expected to be ratified by the Premier League later this month, allowing the INEOS chief and his staff plenty of time to plan for what will be a busy summer at Old Trafford. And in the meantime, ManchesterWorld has rounded up some of the latest United headlines.

Mainoo contract latest

Kobbie Mainoo is enjoying a breakthrough season at United and the midfielder could soon be rewarded with a new contract. Fabrizio Romano reports that a new deal is being prepared with hope of an agreement this year.

Mainoo only made his Premier League debut against Everton in November but has already become a pillar of United's midfield, starting eight of the 10 league games since. The 18-year-old has also scored twice since the turn of the year including that late winner at Wolves. Mainoo's current contract runs until 2027 and United have an option to extend that for a further year. As such, there is no rush to tie the teenager down but Romano insists talks are ongoing and a resolution is likely.

Thuram rivals

Arsenal are the latest team to be linked with a move for OGC Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram. Tuttomercato names the Gunners alongside United and Serie A outfit Juventus.

Thuram has been on the radar of top European clubs for some time and will enter the final 12 months of his contract at Nice this summer. Recent reports have suggested United will target players in such situations in a bid to repeat their £60m signing of Mason Mount.

A move for Thuram this summer could cost around €40million (£34m) and United might hope that links with Nice, forged via the incoming Ratcliffe who also owns the French side, could hand them an advantage.