Napoli in contact with Kobbie Mainoo’s entourage in hope of loan deal

Napoli is urgently seeking a reinforcement for their midfield due to numerous injuries and has identified Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo as the top target, with the club already initiating contact with the player’s entourage to secure a rapid loan deal, according to an update from Il Mattino via TuttoMercatoWeb (TMW).

Napoli’s management, led by Manna and Antonio Conte, is pushing for an immediate solution to their injury crisis in the midfield (with Billy Gilmour being the latest casualty). The 20-year-old Mainoo is the preferred profile, having struggled for consistent playing time under manager Ruben Amorim at Manchester United.

Crucially, Napoli is keen on a simple loan deal, a solution which suits the club as they look to avoid committing to mandatory purchases in the winter transfer window. The report states that contacts with Mainoo’s representatives have been underway for some time.

Manager Antonio Conte is reportedly in a hurry, demanding that “no operation should drag on” as the club seeks to quickly bolster its squad. While alternatives like Soungoutou Magassa (West Ham) and Johan Manzambi (Freiburg) are also being considered, Mainoo remains the first choice.