Thomas Frank has set his sights on one highly-rated Red. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur are ready to act on their longstanding interest in Kobbie Mainoo after being snubbed by priority target Eberechi Eze.
It was confirmed on Wednesday evening that Arsenal had successfully hijacked Spurs’ pursuit of Eze following a lengthy injury layoff to Kai Havertz. The Crystal Palace talisman is expected to undergo his medical with the Gunners on Friday, leaving Tottenham floundering for a suitable alternative.
They themselves are having to navigate the absence of James Maddison, who’s likely to be out for the best part of the season whilst he recovers from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture.
Tottenham to act on Kobbie Mainoo interest
Alas, the North London outfit have reportedly landed on Manchester United’s No.37 in hopes of sanctioning a deal in the final fortnight of the window.
Spurs were said to have made an initial enquiry over Mainoo’s availability earlier in the summer before pursuing other targets. Now, according to GiveMeSport, United have attached a £60 million price tag to their academy graduate, whose sale would generate straight profit for the board and provide a healthy PSR boost.
From the fans’ perspective, the prospect of losing the 20-year-old is unthinkable as it is, never mind allowing him to leave for a direct Premier League rival.
Allowing Mainoo to leave would be inexcusable from INEOS
The Old Trafford faithful would rightfully oppose Mainoo’s departure if things began materialising in the coming days. However, Ruben Amorim might not stand in the way, given he has not utilised the midfielder as much as initially anticipated when he took the reins.
For example, Amorim’s decision to leave Mainoo on the bench for the entirety of United’s season-opener against Arsenal last Sunday was an eyebrow-raiser. In total, the Carrington graduate has been given the nod only 15 times under Amorim.
Furthermore, a valuation of £60m is nothing short of ludicrous if that is indeed the price Spurs have been quoted. Mainoo boasts 72 first-team appearances for the Reds, an FA Cup winners’ medal, where he played a direct role in United’s triumph by scoring in the final, and 10 England caps — six of which came at last year’s Euros.
