However, as per The Sun, any hopes of leaving United are set to be squashed by the club, with the outlet reporting that United are willing to block a move. It’s claimed United are determined to keep Mainoo at the club, with Ruben Amorim still planning to use the academy product in his plans.
Napoli are among the teams to have reached out about a potential transfer, but it’s claimed the Serie A outfit were only looking to strike a short-term loan deal. The speculation comes after contract talks between Mainoo and United stalled over the player’s reported wage demands.
Mainoo is said to have demanded a weekly wage of £180,000 per week, which would bring him alongside other high earners at the club. However, United are only willing to table an offer of £100,000 instead, which is believed to be below his expectations.
Amorim has been quizzed on Mainoo’s future relentlessly in recent weeks, with the Portuguese boss saying: "Until it's official, I cannot say much. I want Kobbie to say. He needs to fight for his place and we need Kobbie. That's not going to change. I understand the players not playing in this moment are disappointed. Everyone will have the same opportunity to play. You have to fight."
Mainoo established himself as a key member of the Euro 2024 England squad that reached the final in Germany a little over 12 months ago, but hasn’t yet been named in any of Tuchel’s teams. And given both Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes appear to be ahead of Mainoo in the pecking order, the chance of Mainoo wrestling his way into the starting XI appears slim. Not least because United aren’t involved in European action this season, meaning his playing time is likely to take a direct hit regardless.