Last week, La Repubblica reported Napoli are looking to sign Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo as soon as the window opens. That would be on the basis of a loan.
Journalist Luca Cerchione spoke to Fischio Finale TV over the weekend. He said he’d spoken to someone close to Napoli assistant manager Cristian Stellini, who is convinced that a deal for the midfielder is going in the right direction.
Antonio Conte’s right-hand man is of the belief that the move could be 99% done.
Cerchione said – relayed by AreaNapoli: “In the past few days, I received a phone call from a friend of Mr. Stellini, who informed me that he had learned that there had been a significant acceleration in the sale of Mainoo, even talking about percentages close to 99%.
“Naturally, the person who gave me this transfer rumour didn’t cite Stellini as his source.”
Cerchione explained progress is being made on Mainoo after Napoli have moved on from Lorenzo Pellegrini.
“He instead ruled out the possibility of seeing Pellegrini in blue for economic reasons.”
Mainoo could be an ideal target, considering his lack of game time under Ruben Amorim. The 20-year-old would likely accept a temporary move to the Italian champions, who have multiple injuries in midfield.
Antonio Conte is a manager who alters his system to suit his most talented players. This can prove important to Mainoo, who will want to show England manager Thomas Tuchel that he is good enough to play at the World Cup.