Last week, Corriere del Mezzogiorno reported Napoli had held initial talks for Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo in recent weeks.
The Italian side were informed that the midfielder will only be allowed to leave Old Trafford on a permanent transfer, with Alfredo Pedulla also having reported contact for the player.
Journalist Ciro Venerato spoke to TG3, relayed by IlNapoliOnline, about the Italian club’s approach on deadline day. He said Napoli’s business is done and Manchester United’s Mainoo isn’t being pursued anymore.
He said: “Today, Hojlund underwent a medical with obviously positive results: Napoli’s transfer window should now be closed. There’s been a lot of talk, especially in England, about Mainoo, but Manchester United has no intention of letting him go, not even on loan.”
The journalist revealed that Napoli do not want to develop a young player like Mainoo for another club.
“Napoli, where this option were possible, has no intention of developing the player from another club but would only sign him permanently with a conditional obligation. Therefore, he won’t arrive, just as Brescianini won’t.”
It seems like Napoli are not an option for Mainoo at all and with deadline day approaching, he is close to staying at the Theatre of Dreams.
The 20-year-old featured for Manchester United against Burnley and also started against Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup. He may be benefitted by potential fitness issues with Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount.
This will also come as a positive for Manchester United, who aren’t expected to sign a midfielder themselves.