Manchester City are plotting a 'shock' move to sign Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, with Pep Guardiola giving the green light for his side to make a move, according to TEAMtalk.
Mainoo is enduring a difficult period at Old Trafford, with Ruben Amorim clearly not fancying him given the lack of game time he's received in recent weeks. Manuel Ugarte and Bruno Fernandes started the previous game ahead of Mainoo, and GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Fabrizio Romano confirmed during the summer transfer window that the England international asked to leave on loan, but his request was rejected.
His future doesn't appear to be certain as Amorim continues to utilise him as more of a squad player than a guaranteed starter. A host of clubs will be queuing up to secure his signature if he does become available in the near future, but United's stance was that he was not for sale before the market closed at the start of the month.
Man City Plotting Move to Sign Man Utd Star Kobbie Mainoo
mainoo manchester united
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Manchester City are weighing up a sensational swoop for Manchester United midfielder Mainoo, and Guardiola has personally approved the move, viewing Mainoo as a perfect fit for City’s high-intensity, possession-based system. Transfers between the Manchester rivals are rare, but Guardiola’s admiration for Mainoo could test that precedent. The midfielder’s market value is estimated at around £70m, and it's unclear whether he'd be interested in making the switch.
As the January window approaches, City’s interest adds a dramatic twist to Mainoo’s uncertain future. Whether United will entertain offers from across town remains to be seen, but the Etihad hierarchy are watching closely. You'd imagine, due to the uproar that would come with selling to their Manchester rivals, United won't be keen on allowing him to make the short trip across the city.
Mainoo will likely ask about another departure in January if his current level of game time continues, and it will be interesting to see whether United's stance softens if Amorim is still not giving him a fair shot. If United cashed in on a permanent deal, it would represent pure profit on the books, significantly helping them from a profit and sustainability regulations perspective.