Napoli in contact with Mainoo and have Roma alternative

Reports in Italy claim that Napoli have been in contact with the agent of Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo over the last few days, and that the Partenopei have identified a potential alternative to the young England international approaching the winter transfer window. 

Napoli are reportedly keen to bring in another midfielder during the January transfer window. Star signing Kevin De Bruyne is out for several months with an injury to his thigh, while Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, who was crowned Serie A player of the month for October on Friday, will miss several weeks due to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. 

Recent reports have suggested that Mainoo, who was also of interest to Napoli at the end of the summer transfer window, remains a target heading into the January transfer window. 

The 20-year-old has not yet started for Manchester United in the Premier League this term, and could reportedly seek a move elsewhere to boost his chances of being included in Thomas Tuchel’s England national team squad for the 2026 World Cup at the end of the season. 

According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport on Friday, there has been ‘new’ contact between Napoli and Mainoo’s agent over the last few days to discuss the possibility of a January loan move to the Stadio Maradona. 

The Pink Paper claims that the interest in a loan deal for Mainoo is ‘mutual’. 

Friday’s report claims that Mainoo is at the very top of Napoli’s wishlist for January, but adds that the Partenopei have some alternative options to fall back on, including Roma midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini.