Kobbie Mainoo: What Man United demand to let Napoli land midfield sensation | OneFootball

Whether Kobbie Mainoo will still be at Manchester United by the end of the winter transfer window remains uncertain.

The youngster has struggled to nail down a place in Ruben Amorim’s engine room, with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes preferred as United’s midfield pivot.

Spending more time on the bench than on the pitch, the feeling is that Mainoo‘s development has stalled. Allegedly frustrated, he is now toying with the idea of leaving United in January to secure regular game time for the second half of the season.

With consistent minutes, the United prodigy believes he can force his way back into Gareth Southgate’s plans and keep alive his hopes of making England’s squad for next summer’s FIFA World Cup.

Where could Mainoo move

If he does depart United, one potential destination is Napoli. The Italian champions have been chasing him since last summer, though United blocked his wish to leave at the time.

Now, with his situation showing little sign of improvement and despite chatter that United could still block a move in January, there remains a chance they may finally let him go.

Fresh reports from Italy suggest United have made clear what is required if their promising prospect is to be allowed to leave.

Napoli’s setback in the Mainoo chase

Speaking on Calcio Blog, Napoli‑affiliated journalist Enrico De Lellis revealed United’s demands.

He said, “In midfield, Mainoo is a real target. United are asking for a no‑obligation loan or €50m. Neither option is worthwhile for Napoli.”

With United’s terms unfavourable to the Partenopei, De Lellis went on to admit: “Guendouzi comes into play in all this. I know Conte really likes him.”

Boost in United’s bid to hold on to the midfielder

With Napoli arguably Mainoo’s most serious suitor, their difficulty in pulling off a deal boosts United’s chances of holding on to the Mancunian.

As selfish as it may seem for United to keep him while he is not playing regularly, it would be a wise move for the club.

With their midfield depth already thin and Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo, and Noussair Mazraoui set to leave for AFCON in late December and early January, United cannot afford to lose further squad options.

That said, Mainoo was handed decent minutes in the defeat to Everton, replacing Casemiro in the 58th minute.

Hopefully, that cameo against the Toffees marks the start of Amorim placing more faith in him.

If Mainoo continues to earn such long cameo appearances, he could soon prove why he deserves a starting role. Should that happen, he may not need to leave at all.

Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images

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