Napoli identify midfield priority over Kobbie Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo was tipped to be one of the long-term centres of Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United, but this season he’s slipped into a supporting role.

The midfielder has seen himself fall down the ranks, used more as an impact option off the bench than a guaranteed starter.

As such, that shift has raised questions about his long-term future at Old Trafford.

Now, that uncertainty has only been heightened as United are open to offers for Mainoo in January.

Whilst it’s unknown as of yet if that’s merely for a loan or to cash in on him as an academy graduate, the prospect of Mainoo leaving is much more of a reality.

This news will no doubt have been picked up by Napoli who have been long-term fans of the midfielder, however, there is another above him in their shortlist.

TuttoMercatoWeb has reported that the Serie A champions are actively searching for at least one midfielder following injuries in the middle of the park.

As such, sporting director Giovanni Manna is drawing up a shortlist, and Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka has been identified as the dream signing.

Goretzka, with his Champions League pedigree and physical profile, is viewed in Naples as the ideal Conte midfielder, powerful, experienced and immediately ready to start.

However, the financial reality of prising him away from Bayern, coupled with his wage level, means he is seen as an ambitious target rather than the most likely arrival.

Hence Napoli’s continued interest in Kobbie Mainoo.

Napoli are understood to view a deal for the Manchester United youngster, most likely a loan with an option to buy, as a far more realistic route.

For United, the key question will be the structure, an obligation to buy, a sizeable fee or smart add-ons could turn a difficult sporting decision into a tempting financial one.

If Mainoo does make the switch, he’d be following a familiar path.

Napoli have previously signed Scott McTominay from United, a move that has since delivered the Scotland international the Serie A MVP award, Serie A Player of the Year and the Serie A title, all in his debut season.