The preferred destination of Kobbie Mainoo has become clear should he leave Manchester United during the January transfer window, with more than 12 clubs showing interest in his services.
The 20-year-old has struggled to secure regular playing time at United since the arrival of Ruben Amorim as head coach last year.
This season, Amorim has often favored a midfield partnership of Casemiro and captain Bruno Fernandes, limiting Mainoo to appearances off the bench.
Mainoo is highly respected by the club’s supporters, having come through the famous Old Trafford academy and progressed to the first team.
However, reports strongly suggest that he is seeking a loan move in January, ahead of the World Cup next summer.
The young talent had also requested a loan move during the summer, despite having a contract with United that runs until the summer of 2027, with the club holding an option to extend it by a further year.
The midfielder has made 11 appearances across all competitions this season, with just one start, which came in the surprise second-round League Cup defeat to Grimsby Town.
According to Caught Offside, more than a dozen clubs are competing for Mainoo’s signature, with Chelsea and Bayern Munich said to be “leading the chase.”
However, it is also reported that Italian champions Napoli are the club Mainoo would prefer to join if he leaves United on a temporary basis.
Should he move to the Serie A side, he would be reunited with former United teammate Scott McTominay, who became a key figure in Napoli’s Scudetto-winning campaign last season and was even nominated for the Ballon d’Or.
Striker Rasmus Højlund is currently spending the season at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on loan from United, with the Italian club obliged to buy the Danish international for around £38 million if they secure qualification for the Champions League next season.
