Earlier this week, La Repubblica journalist Enrico De Lelis reported on Manchester United’s demands for Kobbie Mainoo.
The Red Devils are only interested in a permanent sale or a dry loan deal for the Englishman. They don[t want to give Napoli all the options, which would be the case with a loan plus option deal.
While this didn’t appeal to the Italian champions, confidence in Naples is somehow growing about a transfer.
Today’s Il Mattino, relayed by CalcioNapoli24, reports the 20-year-old is ‘expected to arrive’ at Napoli from Manchester United in January.
The midfielder has said ‘yes’ to the idea of departing Old Trafford. He is keen on reuniting with Scott McTominay and would be also interested in a loan move to Naples.
The newspaper note ‘timing is crucial’ in this potential transfer. Napoli want Mainoo as soon as the window opens.
Talks with Manchester United are ongoing – the report believes. There is no insight into the details of discussions but Antonio Conte’s side are optimistic.
This could indicate that Napoli have opened up to the idea of a dry loan for the player. They aren’t in an excellent financial situation and committing to a fee would be difficult for them at this point.
Manchester United player player wanted in early January
To be clear, Il Mattino, which is the major Naples newspaper, states: ‘Obviously, there’s not a minute to waste in the January transfer window. Last year, in the early days of the winter transfer window, Kvaratskhelia left, and now Kobbie Mainoo is expected to arrive.
‘The Manchester United midfielder, riding on the momentum of McTominay’s meteoric rise in the Azzurri shirt, has already said yes to the idea of leaving the Premier League. The 20-year-old is open to a loan move, especially since, given the current situation, he would also have a key role here. Obviously, Napoli and United are negotiating a deal, but in this case, timing is also crucial. Because if he’s going to arrive, it needs to happen when the transfer window opens.’
Besides, they have lost Billy Gilmour and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa to significant injuries. That is why the Partenopei are desperate to sign a new midfielder as soon as they can.