Napoli have made a ‘significant acceleration’ in their pursuit of a Manchester United star, with the deal being reportedly ‘close to 99%’ done.
Manchester United may look at letting a few players leave when the January transfer window comes around, with some of their stars in pursuit of improved game-time.
Ruben Amorim’s side have been on a mixed run of form recently, but they were able to put a deflated Wolverhampton Wanderers side to the sword to climb up to sixth in the Premier League table.
United ran away to a 4-1 victory at Molineux thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo and Mason Mount, with their second-half performance being a vast improvement from their first-half display.
Despite the comprehensive win, questions were raised regarding Amorim’s usage of Kobbie Mainoo, who was only introduced to the pitch in the 78th minute.
Napoli in pursuit of Mainoo
United fans have been desperate to see more of their young midfielder this season, although he appears to be out of favour with Amorim, who has restricted him to substitute cameos in the league.
As reported by Sport Witness, Napoli may be looking to offer Mainoo a lifeline, as journalist Luca Cerchione has stated. The Italian giants are convinced that a deal is ‘going in the right direction’.
Cerchione spoke to Fischio Finale TV regarding his conversation with Napoli assistant Cristian Stellini, who is of the belief that the move could be 99% done.
“In the past few days, I received a phone call from a friend of Mr Stellini, who informed me that he had learned that there had been a significant acceleration in the sale of Mainoo, even talking about percentages close to 99%.
“Naturally, the person who gave me this transfer rumour didn’t cite Stellini as his source.”
Mainoo’s bid for an England spot
Unfortunately for Mainoo, his exclusion from the United starting XI has came at the worst possible time, as it has ruined his chances of being a feature in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad next summer.
Having been such a key part of England’s Euro 2024 squad, Mainoo may be left out of the 2026 World Cup team altogether, unless he is to find his feet elsewhere.
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Even his United teammate, Mount, has managed to improve his chances of an England spot, due to his great run of form under Amorim, whilst Mainoo is still feeding off scraps.
Napoli would be a fantastic option for the young midfielder, especially given how well the move from Manchester worked out for Scott McTominay. Hopefully, if this move were to come to fruition, Mainoo can follow similarly to the Scotsman.
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