Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo in advanced discussions to go to Napoli in January | OneFootball

Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is in advanced discussions to go to Napoli during the January transfer window, according to Sky Sports Switzerland journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

The Man United academy graduate wanted to leave the Old Trafford club during the summer transfer window, but the Red Devils held on to the 20-year-old and refused to let him go.

Mainoo is seen as a prized possession at the Theatre of Dreams, and he is the only one of the trio Sir Jim Ratcliffe once deemed unsellable still left at the club after the departures of Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund.

He has been told to fight for his place but the England international midfielder wants out and is convinced he can succeed under Napoli manager Antonio Conte having struggled under Man United head coach Ruben Amorim.

His representatives recently met with the Red Devils, and while Man United were only willing to allow Mainoo to leave on loan, a compromise could be reached..

Napoli are open to a loan deal with an option to buy, and talks between all parties will continue as the January transfer window approaches.

Mainoo has played eight games across all competitions so far in 2025-26, starting just once – in the Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town.

He remains out of favour as Amorim is not convinced he has what it takes to feature in the Man United starting XI, and Mainoo knows he needs regular football if he wants to play at the World Cup next summer.

His chances of returning to the Three Lions ahead of their next major tournament are already very slim, and he is desperate to leave for where he can get the chance to impress England manager Thomas Tuchel.

The Red Devils do not want him to join any of their Premier League rivals, either on loan or in a permanent deal, but they could be open to doing business with Napoli, and it is increasingly likely that Mainoo will be on his way to the Serie A club in January.