Everton are one of many clubs showing an interest in Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo ahead of January.
The winter window is notoriously a difficult one for clubs to navigate, with just one month to get their business over the line.
David Moyes will be heading into the New Year with some demands carrying over from what proved an incredibly busy summer for Everton.
Everton News has already reported that going into the January window, Everton will be looking to sign a striker and full-back.
One thing that will be worth noting is that the Toffees are set to lose Idrissa Gana Gueye for a number of weeks to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Although the Blues will not specifically bring in a replacement to cover that period, Everton have previously shown an interest in Mainoo over the summer.
Everton News’ transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey has now shared how Man United have responded to the latest round of interest in their midfielder.
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Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Man United respond to Everton’s interest in Kobbie Mainoo
Everton are monitoring the development of Harrison Armstrong, who they sent out on loan to Preston North End for the season.
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But Mainoo is another young midfielder who is catching the eye of clubs across Europe amid his own struggles at Old Trafford.
Speaking to Everton News, Bailey has shared what difficulties Everton and other interested clubs are going to have in securing Mainoo’s services.
“A host of clubs including Everton have touched base with his people, but it really isn’t going further than that at the moment – despite the fact the player wants out, Manchester United are saying no at the moment,” Bailey told Everton News.
“Could that change, of course it could. If say United bring someone like Conor Gallagher in on-loan, but as it stands Everton would be in the mix but it is not progressing to this point.
“Everton are looking at many options for the window, and Mainoo’s people are aware they would be keen.”
Back at Finch Farm, Everton have been impressed by Merlin Rohl in training as he continues to work his way into Moyes’ plans.
The Blues will want to make sure they are covered in all positions, with the summer just gone the first real opportunity for the Friedkins to show their backing of Moyes.
Not everything could be covered in just one window.
Kobbie Mainoo needs a fresh start away from Man United
Troy Deeney has loved seeing Jack Grealish play with a smile on his face once again after joining Everton.
That is exactly what it feels like Mainoo needs to get back to, with his career at Old Trafford taking a spiral in recent months.
Kobbie Mainoo 25/26 (Premier League) Total
Appearances 7
Minutes 138
Starts 0
Goals 0
Assists 0
This season, Mainoo has not started a single game in the Premier League under Ruben Amorim.
Everton are delighted with Grealish’s revival and that could well act as a real attraction to other players, like Mainoo, who may be in need of a fresh start.
A new midfielder may not be right at the top of Everton’s wish list in January, but Angus Kinnear will be open to possible opportunities that may present themselves.