Last week, Il Mattino reported Napoli are confident about signing Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United.
The Naples newspaper claimed the Red Devils have no intention of parting with the player permanently. That is why a loan deal was favourable for the Italian champions.
More has now emerged from Il Mattino, and Napoli’s hope for Mainoo could be fading.
Napoli have set a deadline of the first few days of January for a midfield signing. Due to injuries, Antonio Conte is desperate for arrivals and doesn’t want to waste much time.
Beyond the time frame, the Manchester United player’s stance is also proving to be a problem.
The 20-year-old hasn’t yet given approval to a move to Napoli. This is because the Englishman doesn’t want to be a ‘parcel of joy’ passed around to clubs and would now prefer a permanent exit.
At the same time, a loan deal works better for Manchester United.
Napoli are looking at alternatives but haven’t given up hope. They are deriving belief from the fact that he hasn’t given them a firm no. Contact with the player’s entourage is expected to be made once again, with talks previously held.