Real Madrid closely monitoring Manchester United youngster; not ruling out January move | OneFootball

Real Madrid remain on the lookout for players to strengthen their squad, with the midfield department, in particular, being an area of focus.

Despite losing Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in the space of a little over a year, Real Madrid have refrained from making any signings in midfield.

Options were explored in the summer, but eventually nothing materialised, especially with Dani Ceballos also pulling the plug on his transfer to Olympique de Marseille.

Arda Guler’s transformation into a midfielder has helped to a certain degree, but the Merengues remain alert to possible reinforcements.

Kobbie Mainoo very much on Real Madrid’s radar

To that end, according to reports relayed by Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid have identified Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo as a possible target and could even move for him in the January transfer window.

Links between Mainoo and Real Madrid had surfaced during the summer as well, when the player was pushing for a loan exit and the Merengues were looking for a replacement for Ceballos before the latter made a U-turn.

Real Madrid keeping tabs on Mainoo. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Since breaking into the first-team setup at Manchester United in 2023, Mainoo has made more than 70 appearances at the age of 20 years old.

However, minutes have dried up under Ruben Amorim, which led to him seeking an exit in the summer, but the Red Devils blocked the move.

But with his situation hardly improving at Old Trafford, Real Madrid are keeping a close watch on the England international and could make a move as early as January. However, like in the summer, Ceballos’ future could dictate matters.

Apart from Real Madrid, clubs like Bayern Munich and Napoli are also interested in Mainoo, who has a contract with United until 2027, with an option for an additional year.

The Red Devils do not wish to lose their academy product and have slapped a €90 million price tag on him to ward off suitors.