Romano makes definitive ‘more than tempted’ claim over £53m player and Man United in January

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·18 December 2025

Romano makes definitive ‘more than tempted’ claim over £53m player and Man United in January

In the event Kobbie Mainoo is given the green light to explore a move away from Manchester United next month, Napoli would be his first-choice destination.

In fact, Fabrizio Romano claims the midfielder is ‘more than tempted’ by the prospect of joining the reigning Serie A champions, having seen former teammates Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund revive their careers at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

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The reporter adds that Napoli are ‘prepared to push’ to make the deal materialise, meaning United could be in for a hectic winter window if the youngster starts pushing himself to complete the move.

Kobbie Mainoo: What’s happened up to this point?

(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Mainoo initially established his desire to leave on loan in the final week of the summer window, but saw his requests rebuffed by the board, who told him he had to stay and fight for a role under Ruben Amorim.

Given his situation hasn’t changed almost at all since then, it’s expected he will reiterate his stance in the coming weeks in hopes of securing increased game time with a new side.

The looming World Cup in the summer of 2026 is also playing a vital part in Mainoo’s decision-making, as he wants to have as good a chance as possible at making Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, having not been called up to the setup since the German took the reins at the turn of the year.

Will Mainoo be given the nod before he pushes for a January departure?

(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Mainoo, who’s valued in the region of £53 million by Fotmob, is still awaiting his first Premier League start of 2025/2026.

There is a chance it could come on Sunday afternoon when the Reds travel to take on Aston Villa, as Casemiro is suspended for the clash after receiving his fifth yellow card against Bournemouth.

If not, he’ll be hoping to add to his 212 minutes of action with an impactful cameo off the bench.