Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo continues to be linked with an exit from Old Trafford with a host of clubs across Europe chasing the 20-year-old midfielder, according to the latest report.
A homegrown star without a home
Mainoo is yet to start a Premier League match this season with Ruben Amorim preferring a central midfield pivot of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes.
The youngster’s solitary appearance from the first whistle came in the humiliating Carabao Cup exit to League Two Grimsby Town on penalties, though he was a rare bright spot in an otherwise dark night for the Red Devils.
In last night’s much-needed 2-1 win over Chelsea, Amorim brought Manuel Ugarte – to the frustration of supporters – on at half time ahead of Mainoo after Casemiro was shown a red card.
The Portuguese coach eventually summoned his English starlet in the 87th minute with the game hanging in the balance.
But the late introduction did little to quell the noise surrounding the pair with Amorim having previously demanded “more” from Mainoo, despite stressing how much he rates the youngster.
A move to a Premier League rival is most “realistic”
A number of clubs in England, as well as on the continent, are keeping a keen eye on developments at Old Trafford as they plot a raid for Mainoo.
Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have all expressed interest while, according to one outrageous report, Pep Guardiola has even demanded Manchester City cross enemy lines to secure the Carrington graduate.
Further afield, European heavyweights Real Madrid and Bayern Munich also credited as suitors, with Los Blancos manager Xabi Alonso said to be a huge fan of the England international.
But a fresh report from TEAMtalk has revealed it is Chelsea and Spurs who are the likeliest destinations for Mainoo ahead of the Spanish giant.
“Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are ‘more realistic’ options than Real Madrid for Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, sources have told TEAMtalk, with the youngster also urged to stay at Old Trafford because of what could happen after Ruben Amorim.”
Transfer expert Dean Jones reports there is “nothing concrete in the links with Madrid right now, but many teams are watching his situation and this upcoming decision on a transfer is a tricky one.”
A fee of £70 million has been floated for United to do business. But Jones insists Mainoo’s contract status and importance within Amorim’s squad means suitors believe a cut-price deal can be struck.
“His contract situation does not reflect that in the market and nor does the importance United are putting on him. So, some teams will be looking at him as a potentially good value pick up.”
However, in a more positive light for weary fans, this writer included, Jones contends Mainoo’s “priority” remains fighting for his future at Old Trafford and winning back his place in Amorim’s starting eleven.
Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
