Kobbie Mainoo pushing to leave Manchester United | OneFootball

Napoli have intensified its pursuit of Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, with reports confirming that the player himself is actively “pushing” for a loan move in January to secure regular first-team football.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the 20-year-old England international is the primary midfield target for the Partenopei’s winter transfer campaign. Napoli’s interest is urgent due to the long-term injury to Kevin De Bruyne and the upcoming absence of Frank Anguissa for the Africa Cup of Nations.

The report, via CalcioNapoli24, states that there has been “new contact” between Napoli and Mainoo’s representatives, with both sides confirming mutual interest in a deal. The primary driving force behind the potential transfer is Mainoo’s ambition:

The player has managed only 138 minutes across seven Premier League appearances this season without a single start under manager Rúben Amorim. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Mainoo’s camp believes he needs immediate and consistent playing time, and he is “pushing for a loan transfer in order to have more continuity” than he is currently receiving at Old Trafford.

Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN