Manchester United are reportedly unwilling to entertain Tottenham Hotspur interest in Kobbie Mainoo this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur’s hopes of landing one of England’s brightest midfield prospects have hit a major stumbling block, with Manchester United showing no intention of selling Kobbie Mainoo, despite Spurs’ growing interest.

According to Give Me Sport, Spurs have made informal enquiries about the 20-year-old, who has just two years left on his current £25,000-a-week contract. But Old Trafford chiefs have swiftly dismissed any notion of an exit, at least for this window, viewing Mainoo as a core part of the club’s long-term rebuild under Ruben Amorim.

Spurs eye opportunity as United stall on Kobbie Mainoo’s contract

Tottenham had quietly tracked the England international for weeks, particularly after it became clear that their pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White was going nowhere. With the Nottingham Forest star penning a new deal, attention shifted to Mainoo, whose unresolved contract situation appeared to present a window of opportunity.

Manager Thomas Frank is keen to add a dynamic, technically gifted midfielder to the squad, someone who can operate both as a deep-lying anchor and an advanced playmaker. Kobbie Mainoo ticks all those boxes and also boosts Spurs’ homegrown quota.

But for all the groundwork being done behind the scenes, Manchester United remain resistant. They are not actively entertaining offers and reportedly want to give Mainoo every chance to prove himself during pre-season. The midfielder started in United’s recent friendly win over West Ham in the US, as he looks to impress Amorim and stake his claim ahead of the new campaign.

£70 million valuation won’t deter Spurs’ long-term interest

Although Manchester United had slapped a £70 million price tag on Kobbie Mainoo last season to ward off interest, Spurs were optimistic that a lower figure could be negotiated, especially with the player yet to agree fresh terms. That optimism, however, has faded slightly, with United now aiming to tie him down to a new and improved contract after holding positive talks with the player.

Mainoo, who made 37 appearances across all competitions last term, has been publicly backed by Manchester United legend Paul Scholes, who labelled him “special”, and it is clear the Red Devils see him as a key figure for the future. That won’t stop Spurs from keeping tabs, though. Should the contract talks stall again or Mainoo find himself on the fringes under Amorim, Spurs will be ready to pounce.

Tottenham fans might feel disappointed, but this is not the end of the road. Mainoo remains a talent worth chasing, the type of profile that could elevate Spurs’ midfield for years to come. With the club still active in the market and aiming to deliver Champions League-level depth, don’t be surprised if Spurs revisit this move later in the window or next summer. For now, though, Manchester United have made their stance clear: Kobbie Mainoo is staying put.