Manchester United transfers: Kobbie Mainoo to Napoli loan deal a real possibility as AFCON looms for Zambo Anguissa

Antonio Conte is interested in signing Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who is struggling for minutes on the pitch under Ruben Amorim. Reports indicate that the defending Serie A champions may try to get the young England international in the winter transfer window.

 

For Conte, Mainoo is an ideal candidate to strengthen Napoli's midfield. The gaffer is also aware that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is scheduled to take place from December 21 this year and go on until January 18, 2026. Unless Cameroon crash out early, Napoli will be without midfielder André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, who is a key figure for Conte.

The winter transfer window will open on New Year's Day, and if Mainoo is acquired in the early days itself, he could be used until Anguissa is back. Once he is back, Mainoo will operate as his backup, a Fichajes article said.

 

The chances of the 20-year-old Mainoo becoming the long-term replacement for the former Fulham star cannot be ruled out either, media reports indicate. However, as things stand, Napoli can only expect a loan deal, if anything at all, they added.

 

Conte also values his versatility, pressing skills, physicality, and ball distribution and reclaiming skills, Fichajes said in a report. Ruben Amorim has only handed him 117 minutes this season. He is yet to make a start this season and has managed only one assist, that too in the EFL Cup. He was considered a future superstar at Old Trafford, but the arrival of Amorim changed everything, and his lack of trust in the youngster has been a cause of concern for a section of fans as well.

 

Romelu Lukaku, Scott McTominay, and Rasmus Højlund are three former United players currently playing for the Serie A side. Midfielder McTominay and striker Højlund have particularly been a masterclass for the Italian side ever since leaving United.

 

Earlier, there were reports that the Red Devils were willing to include Mainoo in the deal to get Federico Valverde from Real Madrid. The academy graduate was earlier linked to Real and Atlético Madrid, but the fresh reports claim that Napoli are a clear frontrunner for the midfielder's signature.

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