Kobbie Mainoo: Napoli’s latest move offers hope in United’s bid to keep midfield sensation | OneFootball

While looking to inject quality into Ruben Amorim’s squad, Manchester United will also be hoping not to lose some of their finest talents.

With fewer fixtures on the calendar, owing to the absence of European football and an early Carabao Cup exit, United head coach Ruben Amorim has struggled to keep everyone content.

The lack of game time has made it difficult to accommodate all players, leaving top talents like Kobbie Mainoo on the fringes.

With the FIFA World Cup looming, Mainoo is understandably eager to play more regularly.

Given that such opportunities have not been forthcoming at Old Trafford, he is reportedly keen to secure a move away, albeit a temporary one, to a club where he can feature more prominently.

Napoli have emerged as serious contenders for the United academy graduate. Behind the scenes, it is understood they are actively pushing to sign the 20-year-old.

Napoli desperate for midfield reinforcements

Antonio Conte is said to be desperate to bring in a top midfielder, believing it to be the missing piece in his Serie A title defence.

Mainoo remains their top target, but recent developments suggest Napoli harbour doubts about their ability to land him.

Indeed, the Italian side have already identified three Serie A midfielders they could pursue in January to address their need for reinforcements.

Moreover, reports claim Lazio’s Matteo Guendouzi has been earmarked as a viable alternative to Mainoo.

Another Mainoo alternative emerges

These revelations, coupled with the latest from Calcio Napoli, should offer United genuine hope of retaining their number #37.

The Italian outlet now concedes that, given Napoli’s uncertainty over signing Mainoo, they have lined up another option.

They report:

“Plan B leads to West Ham’s Soungoutou Magassa. The Azzurri have already made a move, and the Hammers have asked for €17 million for a permanent transfer.”

Not long ago, it was claimed that United would block both Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee from leaving in the winter transfer window.

With Amad Diallo, Noussair Mazraoui, and Bryan Mbeumo all set to be away for AFCON from late December through January, Amorim is understandably reluctant to lose further squad depth.

United boost

The fact that Mainoo’s most serious suitor is now hesitating over a deal represents a significant boost to United’s hopes of keeping hold of their midfield prodigy.

Having been handed decent minutes against Everton, one would hope that marks the beginning of Amorim placing greater trust in him.

If Mainoo can continue to earn more minutes at United, why would he want to leave? He would have no reason to.

Given his quality, more time on the pitch should see him reclaim his place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad with ease.

Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

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