Newcastle United are reportedly monitoring Kobbie Mainoo’s uncertain situation at Old Trafford ahead of potentially testing Manchester United’s resolve in January.
According to talkSPORT, Magpies boss Eddie Howe is an ‘admirer’ of the United starlet and is considering a mid-season swoop to bolster his ranks during a campaign in which he has Champions League football to account for.
Kobbie Mainoo still mulling over United future
It was revealed by Fabrizio Romano earlier this week that Mainoo may ask to leave again in the winter if he is not playing a more prominent role under Ruben Amorim.
The youngster initially expressed his desire to leave on loan in the final week of the summer transfer window after being an unused substitute for United’s opening two matches of the campaign. However, the board rebuffed Mainoo’s requests, instead informing him that he is expected to stay and fight for his place.
That’s easier said than done when the team are playing only once a week this term, though. When Mainoo was being linked with a late exit in August, Amorim told reporters that the 20-year-old was competing with Bruno Fernandes for a starting spot.
Mainoo’s reduced game time has left teammates ‘perplexed’
In the last two Premier League outings, the Carrington graduate was utilised off the bench, replacing the injured Mason Mount at the interval of United’s win over Burnley and entering the Manchester derby in the 62nd minute. He has now accumulated 73 minutes of top-flight action across the opening four gameweeks.
Alas, you’d expect that Mainoo will again be reiterating his stance in the coming months, and a switch to St. James’ Park may appeal to him, given he’ll be adding to his Premier League experience whilst also rubbing shoulders with some of Europe’s elite talent in the UCL.
The Reds, meanwhile, have only the FA Cup and league to play for after being knocked out of the Carabao Cup in the second round to League Two outfit Grimsby Town.
