Man Utd’s stance on allowing reported Leeds United transfer target Kobbie Mainoo to leave in the January transfer window has now been revealed.
Kobbie Mainoo has been frozen out by Leeds’ arch-rivals, Manchester United, despite appearing to be one of the most talented young players in the country at one stage.
This has led to suggestions that Mainoo could leave Old Trafford in the January transfer window, with Leeds linked with a loan move for the midfielder.
Daniel Farke is keen to strengthen his squad, although Leeds’ priority is believed to be strengthening their attack, with Leeds scouts currently scouring Europe for the best talent.
However, it now looks unlikely that Mainoo will be one of the players Leeds target in the January window, after the Red Devils’ latest stance was revealed.
Who do you want Leeds to sign in January? A striker surely has to be the priority!
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Man Utd’s Kobbie Mainoo transfer stance explained
According to a report from TalkSport, Man Utd would be willing to allow Mainoo to exit the club in the January transfer window.
Leeds were linked with a loan deal for Mainoo, and the report states that the Red Devils would only consider a temporary exit.
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However, they have a strong preference for Mainoo to move abroad, as the report explains: “Old Trafford chiefs believe the academy product can still have a future at the club, so he will be allowed to leave on loan at best.
“Napoli are among the clubs interested in Mainoo, and United would prefer not to loan him to another Premier League club.”
The report concludes: “Bayern Munich are another European side who hold interest in a move alongside Napoli.”
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Lukas Nmecha’s injury shows Leeds United’s recruitment priorities have changed
While Leeds were linked with Mainoo previously, their performances in recent weeks show that their recruitment priorities have now changed.
With Calvert-Lewin enjoying a prolific run of form up front, and his burgeoning partnership with Lukas Nmecha, who also has four Premier League goals, looking promising, Farke has been able to switch to a two-man strike force.
Answer this: Leeds United will finish in ___th place if Dominic Calvert-Lewin stays fit 📊
Four goals in four for the big man!
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However, Nmecha’s recent injury shows just how fragile Leeds’ depth is in attack, as Noah Okafor has struggled to provide the same physical presence in the final third.
At the end of the summer transfer window, it looked like Leeds needed an attacking playmaker to help unlock compact defences. As January approaches, Farke may elect to prioritise another attacking battering ram to provide cover for Nmecha and Calvert-Lewin.
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