TBR Football understands that there’s plenty of interest in Kobbie Mainoo, especially for potential loan deals, but Manchester United are keen to sell him.
The 20-year-old hasn’t signed a new deal since becoming an England international, and this contract standoff could see him forced out of the door at Old Trafford.
Several Premier League clubs would take him on loan, with Brentford, Brighton, and Aston Villa all showing an interest. Newcastle United could become an option, given their injury issues.
At this stage, United might prefer a sale of their academy talent, but it’s up in the air ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.
Kobbie Mainoo during pre-season for Manchester United.
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Exclusive: Kobbie Mainoo is ‘gutted’ Man United career could be over
Sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey, that Kobbie Mainoo is ‘gutted’ that his Manchester United career could be coming to an end.
Mainoo is deeply disappointed that his contract situation has remained unresolved, but he is open to a move away, especially given his recent lack of game time under Ruben Amorim.
Mainoo was an unused sub against Fulham, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that the Portuguese coach does not see him in his plans.
Gary Neville has urged United to resolve Mainoo’s future before the transfer window closes, as it appears he is the fifth-choice midfielder behind Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte.
He scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final and has played for England at the European Championships, yet no new deal has been agreed.
The midfielder and his family are shocked at how the situation has played out, but the recent wage demands and other discussions haven’t been fed to the press by them.
TBR Football can now confirm that there is now a real chance that he will leave Old Trafford by Monday’s deadline.
Aston Villa could be a good move for Kobbie Mainoo
Aston Villa could be an ideal move for Mainoo, given that the competition for places in the midfield isn’t quite as strong as at United.
The youngster would be competing against Youri Tielemans, Boubacar Kamara and Amadou Onana for a spot in the midfield.
Newcastle might not be the best move for him, as their midfield trio of Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and Joelinton would be hard to separate.
Mainoo would need to be convinced about a move to the South Coast and to Brighton, but he should comfortably have a starting spot in Fabian Hurzeler’s team.