Kobbie Mainoo was of interest to Everton in the winter transfer window after Ruben Amorim phased him out of the starting XI at Manchester United.
In normal circumstances, the 20-year-old wonderkid would have been an unrealistic target for The Friedkin Group to pursue given his immense talent.
However – as Amorim tried to phase the England international out at Old Trafford – Give Me Sport claimed Everton were on red alert during the winter window.
Mainoo has since returned to the starting XI after Michael Carrick replaced Amorim, helping Manchester United win six of their last seven Premier League games, but the Daily Mail believe there are still issues between the midfielder and decision makers at Old Trafford.
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Kobbie Mainoo could now push for better terms at Manchester United as Everton lurk in the background
The Daily Mail claim that there are still ‘lingering issues’ between Mainoo and Manchester United on the contract front.
It is said that the Manchester United No.37 agreed to compromise on his salary while out of the side under Amorim, but did not hear back from decision makers until the Portuguese coach was sacked.
Now, having played 90 minutes in each of the last seven Premier League games and starring as Manchester United rise up the table, it remains to be seen if Mainoo will still agree to compromise on his wages.
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The Stockport-born maestro will only have 12 months remaining on his contract at the end of the season, so time is of the essence for Manchester United as Everton wait and see if they could take advantage of the situation.
David Moyes could create the midfield partnership Manchester United fans once dreamed of
In an alternate universe, David Moyes is still managing Manchester United with a midfield duo of Mainoo and James Garner, who also progressed from the academy at Old Trafford.
However, in a twist of fate, the Glaswegian could be blessed with the benefit of coaching the midfield duo at Everton rather than Manchester United if this deal materialises.
Garner – who is having a great season – and Mainoo never played together in the youth ranks at Old Trafford given the fact the latter is four years younger.
However, they have previously been photographed training together in the summer of 2025 and are close friends, so there would presumably be strong chemistry between the pair in midfield.
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He's been exceptional just about all season for the Blues!
James Garner of Everton reacts during the Premier League match between Everton and Brighton and Hove Albion at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Credit: Getty Images/Clive Mason.
With Idrissa Gueye coming to the end of his contract and career at the age of 36, Mainoo would be a timely arrival in the midfield department if a deal can be done this summer.
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