Manchester City considering shock transfer swoop for Manchester United midfielder | OneFootball

Officials at the Etihad Stadium are reportedly eyeing a shock cross-town swoop for one of Manchester United’s senior first-team midfielders.

The idea of Manchester City pursuing talent from Old Trafford is not something often entertained, but the Premier League giants have not been shy in recent seasons about exploring ambitious and unconventional transfer opportunities.

Just this summer, Pep Guardiola’s side explored moves across Europe for some of the continent’s best young talents, while also weighing up difficult decisions over senior stars such as Jack Grealish and İlkay Gündoğan in a boldness that appears to be extending into 2026.

City have already been linked with midfield reinforcements in several reports, with Guardiola said to be assessing both immediate options and longer-term successors for his ageing core, with Kalvin Phillips certain to leave and the longer-term futures of Mateo Kovačić and Bernardo Silva remaining uncertain.

Hugo Viana is expected to keep midfield evolution at the heart of his planning, alongside a clear interest in strengthening the squad’s English contingent, having leaned heavily on Phil Foden, Rico Lewis, and Nico O’Reilly for the future of the first-team squad.

Now, according to a new report from TEAMtalk, Manchester City are considering a shock move for Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, with Pep Guardiola viewing the 20-year-old midfielder as one of England’s brightest prospects.

Unsurprisingly given the player’s talents, City are not expected to be alone in their interest with the player also said to be on the transfer radar of Premier League rivals Chelsea and Newcastle United.

From the side of Eddie Howe’s side, it is stated that St James’ Park officials are ‘particularly keen’ on securing the youngster’s signature, with their head coach a ‘known admirer’ of the versatile midfielder.

As for those at Stamford Bridge, the report states that Chelsea have been ‘tracking Mainoo for some time’, and the club would be a ‘serious contender’ should he become available on a permanent agreement.

While the report insists that there is currently no official asking price confirmed for Kobbie Mainoo, the player’s market value is estimated at around £70 million.

Should Manchester City firm up reported interest, one of the key questions will be whether United would ever sanction such a deal given the rivalry between the two clubs and a certain intent to avoid strengthening neighbours.

That said, Manchester City’s financial muscle, track record of developing young players, and glamorous project under Pep Guardiola could, in theory, make them one of the few clubs capable of putting forward a compelling package.

For Guardiola, the appeal of Mainoo is clear; versatility, technical ability, and the potential to slot into several midfield roles. With uncertainty already surrounding numerous central names, a talent of Mainoo’s profile could be invaluable.