Napoli are preparing to test Manchester United's resolve in the coming weeks after Kobbie Mainoo failed to earn a transfer away from Old Trafford over the summer
Napoli are planning to test Manchester United's resolve over a deal for Kobbie Mainoo. The Italian giants are hoping to find more success from signing talent from Old Trafford following the boost Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund have offered in successive seasons.
Antonio Conte's side won Serie A last season and lead the way this term, with McTominay winning MVP honours in his debut season. This year, Denmark star Hojlund has shown little trouble finding the net since his summer move and has bagged four goals in seven outings.
Napoli appear to have found a winning formula by elevating frustrated United stars, and having expressed interest in Mainoo over the summer, the club's interest has not diminished. United prevented their midfield ace from leaving the club during the transfer market and Ruben Amorim is said to be unwilling to see him exit, even temporarily, in January.
Mainoo has played just 138 minutes across seven Premier League appearances this term. The 20-year-old will hope for more playing time in a bid to reinvigorate his chance of making England's World Cup squad, two years on from a breakout season which saw a Euro 2024 call-up.
According to reports in Italy, Napoli 'will try again' to land Mainoo. Their ambitions are sure to have increased amid their injury crisis.
Kevin de Bruyne faces months out after suffering a muscle tear after scoring a penalty against Inter Milan. The 34-year-old has been a regular in the team since joining for free in the summer.
Central midfielder Stanislav Lobotka is also out injured, with ex-Brighton and Chelsea ace Billy Gilmour deputising. And later this year, Conte will be without former Fulham star Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa when he heads to the Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon.
Bringing Mainoo to the club will certainly become increasingly appealing as the Serie A leaders look to plug the gaps in their side.
Speaking earlier this season about Mainoo's situation, Amorim accepted he wanted to feature more. "No, like a lot of guys, he wants to play more. I didn't have a conversation with him before the window closed – I did this week," Amorim said.
"Because I don't want Kobbie Mainoo thinking that I was having any conversation with him just to hold on to him. I don't want that feeling.
"I believe a lot in Kobbie, but some of you think that Kobbie Mainoo is already done (the finished article). I think he can do so much better, he can improve a lot.
"I think for some guys it is enough (their talent), but for him it is not enough. Maybe it's not fair, but I think I'm helping Kobbie Mainoo, and that's it. He will have opportunities like the other guys."