Kobbie Mainoo has told Manchester United he wants to leave the club on a permanent basis to join Italian champions Napoli before transfer deadline day.
The England international’s future was thrown into doubt this week after it emerged he is seriously considering his future at Old Trafford.
With England’s World Cup campaign less than a year away, the 20-year-old is desperate to be playing first-team football this season. His omission from Thomas Tuchel’s latest squad released on Friday morning served to underline those concerns.
First-team football is far from guaranteed at United with Ruben Amorim revealing Mainoo is now in direct competition with club captain Bruno Fernandes for one of two midfield roles.
Reports have suggested Mainoo has asked for a loan move away before the transfer window closes on Monday.
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However, the Mirror now claim Mainoo has told the club he would jump at the chance to join Napoli on a permanent deal.
The Serie A champions already have a four-year contract waiting for Mainoo to sign should United cash in.
Scott McTominay left United to join Napoli in similar circumstances a year ago.
Thriving under Antonio Conte, the Scotland international was instrumental in their title success, worshipped by Napoli fans after a thrilling year in the city.
The report adds Mainoo believes Conte can have a similar effect on his own career.
Mainoo was an unused substitute in United’s opening two matches of the Premier League against Arsenal and Fulham with Manuel Ugarte brought on ahead of him on both occasions.
Despite United’s lack of quality in the middle of the park, Amorim’s decision to have Fernandes and the academy graduate competing for the same role will surely reduce his chances this season, particularly given how light United’s fixture schedule looks.
With no European football on offer, United are concentrating solely on the Premier League after their humiliating Carabao Cup exit on Wednesday – a game in which Mainoo played the full 90 minutes.
A move to Napoli would also see the midfielder link up former United striker Romelu Lukaku while his current teammate Rasmus Hojlund is also in talks over a move.
