The report states that Barcelona are looking to 'tempt' Mainoo away from United as the Blaugrana consider bolstering their midfield options. That being said, the same report also claims that competition for the United outcast is rife, with Real Madrid sniffing around the youngster.
After a flying start to the season under Xabi Alonso, Los Blancos are struggling and are now seven points behind league leaders Barcelona, albeit with a game in hand, following a run of one win in their last five. Even so, the Spanish giants are prepared to sanction a move for Mainoo to not only improve the squad, but to also strike a blow to their fierce rivals.
Real Madrid are not the only European heavyweight in for Mainoo with Serie A giants Napoli and Premier League outfit Chelsea also monitoring the United midfielder. A move to Napoli would see Mainoo tread the same path as Scott McTominay, who was rebuilt his career following his move to Italy last summer.
The Blues, meanwhile, are renowned for hoovering up the best young talent on the continent and would jump at the chance to sign a player of Mainoo's calibre and scope for improvement. A separate report states that Chelsea are leading the race for Mainoo, though the player's preference is to move to Napoli.
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