Napoli’s determination to sign Kobbie Mainoo on loan has reached fever pitch, with sources confirming the 20-year-old Manchester United midfielder is open to the move and the Red Devils are ready to green-light an exit, on one condition.
The Serie A frontrunners, managed by Antonio Conte, see Mainoo as the final piece in their Scudetto and Champions League puzzle, and are willing to meet Man Utd‘s financial demands to make it happen.
According to Teamtalk, sources close to Mainoo reveal the England international is increasingly receptive to a January switch to Naples.
While he would ideally stay in the Premier League, the recent success of British talents in Italy – Scott McTominay’s seamless integration at Napoli and Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s resurgence at AC Milan – has piqued his interest.
“Kobbie sees the pathway,” one insider said. “Regular football in a title race and Europe is exactly what he needs for the World Cup.”
Also Read: Mainoo May Leave Man United In January –Jones
Napoli’s proposal remains unchanged: a straight loan with an option to buy, covering Mainoo’s full weekly wages. President Aurelio De Laurentiis has green-lit the deal, viewing the teenager as a long-term successor to Stanislav Lobotka.
Conte has personally assured Mainoo of a starring role alongside McTominay and Billy Gilmour in a dynamic, high-pressing midfield.
Napoli would also be keen on a loan with an option to buy, but sources say a permanent move in January is not something on United’s radar.