Napoli to pursue winter move for Man Utd star once deemed ‘untouchable’ after Kevin De Bruyne injury | OneFootball

Napoli are poised to revive their interest in Kobbie Mainoo following a lengthy injury layoff to summer signing Kevin De Bruyne.

The veteran midfielder sustained a thigh injury whilst taking a penalty against Inter Milan last Saturday – a game that also saw former Red Scott McTominay etch his name onto the scoresheet during the 3-1 win.

Now, it seems as though the Italian giants have set their sights on another Manchester United graduate to partner the Scot, as beIN Sports suggests Napoli will pursue a mid-season loan move for Mainoo to reinforce Antonio Conte’s midfield options.

United have already rejected Mainoo’s transfer request

(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

This comes after the reigning Serie A champions initially established their interest in Mainoo over the summer, when he had requested a late window departure after being left on the bench for the opening two matches of the campaign.

United rebuffed the 20-year-old’s pleas, instead informing him that he was expected to stay put and fight for his role.

However, with Ruben Amorim previously confirming that Mainoo is directly vying with his skipper, Bruno Fernandes, for a starting spot, the youngster won’t be filled with much hope that he’s going to oversee an active season – not least because United only have two competitions, the league and the FA Cup, to account for.

Could Mainoo end up in Naples in two months’ time?

(Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

David Ornstein previously suggested that the 10-capped England international had lost his status as an ‘untouchable’ asset at Old Trafford. He suggested that Mainoo could indeed be sold if INEOS’ demands were met, and subsequent speculation has since seen him valued in the region of £45 million.

It’s unlikely Napoli would be able to commit to such a hefty fee in the winter, especially after a relatively costly summer.

However, it’s expected that United will block any loan deals for Mainoo and fellow outcast Joshua Zirkzee, as Amorim will benefit from their services in January when Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo jet off to represent their respective nations, the Ivory Coast and Cameroon, at the Africa Cup of Nations.

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