Serie A side Napoli will try to re-sign Manchester United midfielder Koby Mainu in the January transfer window in a bid to resolve their “crisis”, according to reports.
The Italians acquired both Scott McTominay and Rasmus Hjølund from the Red Devils in the recent transfer window, with the former being a huge success.
Napoli are rumored to be considering turning Hoylund’s loan move into a permanent move in the January transfer window, with Man United considering including a buy-out option in his contract.
Napoli were one of the leading clubs to try to sign Maynou during the summer, but Man United refused to let the midfielder go as Ruben Amorim wanted him as part of his squad.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who gave an update on Mainu’s situation earlier this month, predicts it “could be another story” if the England international does not feature for the Red Devils in November and December.
Romano said: “Certainly the situation will be re-evaluated in the coming months. At the moment Coby is not causing any problems. He is training at his best and giving his all for Man United. But he is not yet a regular starter. Coby wants to play and that has not changed since August.”
Read: ‘No jokes allowed’ about Man United as opinion on 20 Premier League clubs weighed
“In August, Man United said, ‘No, you’re going to stay here, there’s not even a chance of a loan.’ Coby only wanted a loan, never a permanent transfer. We’ll find out in January, it’s only October.”
“The Koby Mainou situation could become a continuing story again in the January transfer window if he arrives in November or at the end of December and is still not playing regularly.”
Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke recently claimed that Man Utd are trying to prevent Maynou from leaving but could have to let him go if the midfielder pushes through with a move.
O’Rourke said: “I think (Mainou’s departure) in January is due to his desire to play regularly to improve his chances of being selected in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup.
“Newcastle showed some interest in him in the summer, Tottenham are also interested in him and there is also talk of interest from Napoli in Italy. I think there will be a lot of clubs keeping an eye on Mainu’s situation.”
“If he is not playing regularly between now and January, and the player pushes for a potential transfer, there is a real possibility that he will move.
“But Manchester United really don’t want Koby Mainu to leave. They did the same thing in the summer. There was some talk that he might leave and the player was ready to move on in search of regular first-team football.”
More coverage from ManUTD on the F365…
👉 Walcott says Arsenal should have signed Manchester United’s incredible star ‘years ago’
👉 Manchester United do not need to sign Palace star due to concerns about Amorim being postponed, says INEOS – Pundit
👉 Manchester United’s Jobe Bellingham makes surprise move to Old Trafford, preparing £44m ‘offer’
“They have blocked any move for Mainu and I imagine they will try to do the same in January because United will probably need him this season in case of injury or something else.”
“They’ll be confident they can keep everyone and I don’t think they’re going to let a player of that caliber leave United when they probably need all their best players to help Ruben Amorim have a successful season.”
And Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport has reported that Napoli are facing a “crisis” over the winter due to injury and the month-long absence of Franck Anguissa, who is certain to play for Cameroon in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Napoli could make a move for Lorenzo Pellegrini in Roma, or they could “decide to invest further and sign United’s 20-year-old talent Koby Mainu”.
The report added: “Napoli attempted to do so at the end of August, in the midst of signing Hoylund.” And they will try again. ”
