MANCHESTER UNITED have an option to extend Kobbie Mainoo’s contract by 12 months.
The midfielder, 19, has two years left on his current deal, which led to fears manager Ruben Amorim could be forced to sell him in the summer.
But United have a contractual option to keep Mainoo until 2028 — giving them control over his short-term future.
The clause is understood to be one-sided, so Mainoo does not have to agree for it to be activated.
United still hope Mainoo will sign a longer contract as Amorim sees him as key to his plans.
He earns about £20,000-a-week and his representatives want to raise that.
The 12-month option could prove crucial in protecting the England international’s transfer value, which the club have set at £70million.
Chelsea are monitoring Mainoo’s situation with a view to making a summer bid.
But the Stockport-born academy graduate is also thought to favour a move overseas should he seek a transfer.
United declined to comment when contacted by SunSport.
The club have used 12-month options before as a way of giving them flexibility over their squad.
Mainoo has been out of action for a month with a muscle injury.
Amorim has not given a recent update on his return date but it will not be before this month’s international break.
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