Could one Red follow in the footsteps of Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund? (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Napoli are reportedly sizing up a mid-season swoop for Manchester United wantaway Kobbie Mainoo, as per TuttoMercatoWeb.
There’s actually a realistic chance of the deal getting done, too, so long as INEOS sign off on his exit this time around.
When Mainoo asked to leave United in the final week of the summer window, Napoli were among his suitors. However, the board blocked his exit, instead informing him that he was expected to stay put and fight to reclaim his spot in the team.
Mainoo is out of favour under Ruben Amorim
He can only do so much with the minutes he’s granted, though. After being an unused substitute for the opening two matches, the 20-year-old was called upon to feature against Burnley on August 30, replacing the injured Mason Mount at half-time.
That remains his lengthiest cameo of the term, as he subsequently played 28 minutes in the Manchester derby, three minutes in the win over Chelsea and 24 minutes in last weekend’s defeat to Brentford.
It’s already been suggested by Fabrizio Romano that Mainoo would reiterate his desire to embark on a new venture in January if his situation hadn’t changed by that stage. With how things are looking, he’d have every right to request a half-season loan elsewhere.
Wantaway Mainoo could link up with familiar faces in Naples
Napoli poses as an attractive option for the midfielder, whom Casemiro has described as a ‘complete’ player, as he can reunite with former teammates Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund in Italy, as well as play alongside Kevin De Bruyne.
The reigning Serie A champions will be working to retain their title this campaign whilst also advancing as far as possible in the Champions League – and Mainoo could prove integral to that.
