Man Utd send message to Chelsea over Kobbie Mainoo transfer in January

Kobbie Mainoo is looking to leave Manchester United in the January transfer window (AMA/Getty)

Manchester United would be open to an ‘exceptional offer’ from Chelsea for Kobbie Mainoo in the January transfer window, according to reports.

The 20-year-old is yet to start a game in the Premier League this season and appears to be on course to leave Old Trafford in the upcoming window.

Mainoo was keen on joining Napoli on loan in the closing stages of the summer window , however, United blocked the move as they were unable to sign a replacement.

The Serie A champions have retained their interest in Mainoo ahead of January but are expected to face strong competition.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have Mainoo on their list of central midfield targets as they look to provide more competition for Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo .

United had ruled out selling Mainoo earlier this year, however, the Daily Mail report that the club have now changed their stance and the midfielder would be allowed to leave if an ‘exceptional offer’ is received next month and a replacement can be signed.

Kobbie Mainoo’s half-brother, Jordan Mainoo-Hames, wore a ‘free Kobbie Mainoo’ T-shirt at Old Trafford this week

The report adds that Mainoo’s relationship with United ‘is at breaking point’ and the midfielder would consider a move away either on loan or on a permanent deal.

On Monday, Mainoo’s half-brother, former Love Island contestant Jordan Mainoo-Hames, was seen wearing a T-shirt printed with the message ‘Free Kobbie Mainoo’ at Old Trafford during United’s 4-4 draw with Bournemouth .

Speaking on Friday, Ruben Amorim played down the incident and insisted that Mainoo would not be punished.

‘He isn’t going to start because of the T-shirt and he isn’t going to be on the bench because of the T-shirt,’ Amorim said.

‘If he is the right guy to play, he is going to play.’