Napoli Plans January Bid for Manchester United Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo

Napoli is preparing a renewed bid to acquire Manchester United's 20-year-old central midfielder Kobbie Mainoo in the upcoming January transfer window, following his limited playing time this season under Ruben Amorim. The Italian club, led by Antonio Conte, views the midfield situation as urgent due to injuries and international duties affecting key players like Stanislav Lobotka and Andre-Frank Anguissa, the latter also facing a contract dispute and potential transfer interest from Turkish clubs Galatasaray and Fenerbahce. Napoli aims to refresh its midfield age profile and sees Mainoo—valued at €45 million by Transfermarkt but potentially negotiable due to his current form—as a vital addition, especially with Anguissa set to join Cameroon for AFCON and Lobotka recovering from injury. Conte's strategy has previously succeeded in revitalizing careers of players like Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hojlund, fueling optimism about Mainoo's potential impact. Despite Manchester United valuing Mainoo at around €70 million, Napoli hopes to negotiate a significant discount. The club is also considering other midfield reinforcements but views Mainoo as a key target to maintain tactical balance and progression in the midfield.