Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has reportedly put contract negotiations with his club on hold in order to focus on representing England at this summer's European Championship.
The 19-year-old is set to be in Gareth Southgate's final squad for Euro 2024, and he could have an important role to play for the Three Lions at the tournament in Germany.
Mainoo enjoyed an impressive 2023-24 campaign for the Red Devils, making 32 appearances in all competitions, scoring five times and registering one assist in the process.
The midfielder managed three goals and one assist in 24 Premier League outings, while he netted twice in six FA Cup matches, including in the final against Manchester City to help his side win the trophy.
Mainoo's current deal at Old Trafford is due to run until June 2027, with the option of a further 12 months, but there have been claims that Man United are keen to hand him a new contract.
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Mainoo 'delays contract talks at Old Trafford'
According to the Daily Star, Mainoo is expected to sign a new contract with the 20-time English champions in the near future, but the discussions have been put on hold until after Euro 2024.
The report claims that the midfielder is in line to increase his wages to around £80,000 a week, and although a deal has been agreed in principle, there will be no further developments until he has represented England at this summer's European Championship.
Man United's new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe has allegedly made signing Mainoo to a new contract one of his priorities this summer.
However, the youngster first wants to concentrate on international matters before he puts pen to paper on a long-term deal with the English giants.
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Man United must build around Mainoo in the coming years
There had been suggestions that Mainoo was viewed as a holding midfielder by Man United, but he has proven in recent months that he is more effective further up the field.
The Englishman was outstanding in Man United's FA Cup final success over Man City, scoring a brilliant goal to send his side 2-0 ahead at Wembley Stadium.
There will be a lot of changes at Old Trafford in the coming months and years, but the club simply have to secure the future of one of the best young talents in the game.
Mainoo has proven himself at Premier League level this season, and it is easy to forget that he only turned 19 in April considering the maturity in his game.
There have been a lot of problems at Man United this season, but the likes of Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund have shown that the future can be bright for the club.
Matt Law
