Napoli chase Mainoo exit with McTominay boost, Manna keen, Amorim wary | OneFootball

Napoli is accelerating its winter transfer market activity with the clear objective of strengthening the midfield as early as January. Among the names highlighted by sporting director Giovanni Manna is that of Kobbie Mainoo, the young talent from Manchester United, who has been closely followed for weeks.

Napoli, Mainoo, the United talent’s “yes” and McTominay’s assist: Manna pushes, Amorim holds back

The intention of the Azzurri club is to be ready for the reopening of the winter transfer window, to immediately file a new contract and provide Antonio Conte with a quality and promising addition.

According to Il Mattino, contacts between Manna and Mainoo’s entourage are ongoing and positive. The English midfielder is fully interested in moving to Napoli. This openness is not by chance and, according to rumors, has also been encouraged by Scott McTominay, his former United teammate, who spoke to the young compatriot about the Neapolitan environment and the technical opportunities offered by the Azzurri project.

Mainoo has said “yes” to Napoli, seriously considering the possibility of moving as early as January. The prospect of playing more regularly weighs heavily in his decision, also with a view to the national team.

The real sticking point in the negotiation, however, remains Manchester United. The English club is going through a complicated phase, with inconsistent results and a squad that is not very deep. In this context, Ruben Amorim has decided to put up a wall against Mainoo’s departure, despite the midfielder’s limited playing time so far.

As explained by market expert Fabrizio Romano, United is also affected by the Africa Cup of Nations, which will deprive Amorim of some key players. For this reason, the Portuguese coach would like to keep all available players at least for the first part of January, effectively freezing any departures.

Nevertheless, Mainoo remains determined to find more playing time. The player is also open to a loan move, an option already considered last summer before Amorim put a stop to it. Currently, more than ten clubs are interested in him, but Napoli is pushing the hardest.

The midfielder’s priority is clear: to play regularly in order to reach the World Cup as a protagonist and earn a call-up with England. This need could become decisive in the coming weeks.

At the moment, however, the “green light” has not yet arrived. Everything will depend on United’s decisions and the evolution of the situation within the English club. Napoli remains on standby, buoyed by the player’s approval and advanced diplomatic work, but aware that the real battle will be fought at the negotiating table in Manchester.

The coming days will be decisive in understanding whether the Mainoo deal can be unlocked immediately in January or if it will be postponed. Manna continues to push, Conte waits, and Napoli hopes that Amorim’s wall will eventually crack.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.