Manchester United appear to have revealed what they hope to do with Kobbie Mainoo as the transfer race for the midfield prodigy heats up.
While a standout performer over the course of the past season, Mainoo has had limited minutes on the pitch this season, missing out on both of Man United’s first two Premier League games.
His first appearance came in the dismal EFL Cup exit at the hands of Grimsby Town, where he struggled to find his groove.
Still, this performance has not dampened the rising interest that a multitude of clubs have expressed in him, with Tottenham Hotspur attempting an audacious swoop for the player before the transfer deadline arrives.
The race is on
Chelsea have been linked with the youngster, reportedly discussing a £70 million asking price back in January, which has allegedly fallen to £45 million.
Italian giants Napoli have also emerged as potential suitors, with the team also looking to sign Rasmus Hojlund in an audacious double swoop.
Then there’s Newcastle United, who reportedly also entered the fray – a move which could allow United to fetch more money from a potential deal.
Still, the player himself would also need to decide where he wants to play his football going forward.
Mainoo reveals his true desire
Earlier today, The Peoples Person relayed that Mainoo desires to remain at United, although he would like to leave the club on loan as a means of getting more minutes on the pitch.
Still, this hasn’t dissuaded Tottenham Hotspur from pursuing a sneaky late deal, with United responding in a way that voices their true feelings on the academy graduate.
United respond to Spurs
“Tottenham Hotspur have explored the possibility of signing Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United before the summer transfer window closes on September 1, sources have told TEAMtalk, with initial contacts understood to have taken place on Thursday,” TEAMtalk reported this morning.
“Tottenham have moved quickly to open the door, believing he could flourish under manager Thomas Frank’s set-up,” the article continued, before revealing United’s stance.
“Sources have told TEAMtalk that Man Utd officials are reluctant to sanction any departure, instead wanting him to work his way into manager Ruben Amorim’s side to earn a new contract. That stance was reiterated on Thursday, even as Tottenham sensed an opportunity.”
It’s clear that United are acutely aware of Mainoo’s enormous potential, and should this latest report prove true, United fans would surely be relieved to see that United are attempting to avoid offloading a talent who could surely serve the club well for years to come.
Still, with the transfer window closing on September 1, it’s difficult to know what dramatic late moves could be made as United scramble to build their squad for the season.
Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images
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Mathew Cohen
A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.
