Tottenham make shock enquiry to sign £70m Man United star Paul Scholes dubbed "the real deal"
Tottenham are reportedly keen on signing a Man United star whose contract expires in 2027.
Manchester United are keen to offload several names this summer as they aim to generate some transfer funds to help finance Ruben Amorim’s squad rebuild, but so far, United have only seen one departure.
Marcus Rashford left to join La Liga giants Barcelona on loan, with an option to buy, however, the Red Devils are getting something out of it, as the Spanish club are paying Rashford’s wages.
However, United will need to make some permanent transfer sales of the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Jadon Sancho to generate some serious funds. But reports have emerged suggesting that a different United player could be sold amid interest from Tottenham.
Spurs make Kobbie Mainoo enquiry
One player at United that was linked to leaving in January was midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, as there were reports suggesting that Chelsea could have signed the England international, and United had set a £70m price tag for Mainoo.
The midfielder made 37 appearances for United in all competitions last season, scoring two goals, and providing one assist. He was in and out of Amorim’s midfield, challenged for places by the likes of Manuel Ugarte, Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen. However, now seeing as Eriksen has left, Mainoo could have more of a role next season.
That is only assuming Mainoo will still be at United next year, as a report by TBR Football claims that Premier League rivals Tottenham have enquired about signing the 20-year-old this summer, as Thomas Frank is looking to bolster his options in the middle of the park.
Mainoo’s current contract expires in 2027, and seeing as negotiations remain ongoing for a new deal at Old Trafford, Spurs could come in for the England international and sign him if United fail to secure a new contract for the 20-year-old. The midfielder now has an estimated market value of around £43m, but United would likely demand more than that for the promising youngster.
He is valued at £70m by the Red Devils and the reason a deal would be considered is due to his status as an academy player, which would see his sale generate pure profit in terms of profit and sustainability.
Man United urged to keep Mainoo
The midfielder is very well regarded in the Premier League, but last season, he took a slight step back, partly due to injury concerns and partly due to the uncertainty of a manager change at Old Trafford in the middle of the season.
However, former United midfielder Paul Scholes doesn’t doubt Mainoo’s ability for United. He told TNT Sports in late 2024, saying that the midfielder deserves more time in the starting XI, something that he hasn’t had under Amorim so far.
Scholes said: “I think Mainoo needs a run in the team, I think now it’s time to give him a chance. This back-four need protecting. No one senses danger as much as this young lad. He looked the real deal. I don’t see anyone else being able to protect the back four like he can.”
Despite having Mainoo in the squad, United have been linked to signing a new holding midfielder this summer, with one of the main targets being Atalanta midfielder Ederson. However, seeing as he is expected to command a fee of around £50m, it could be a difficult deal for the Red Devils to complete.