Man Utd's Kobbie Mainoo transfer stance to be tested as Napoli update emerges - The Mirror

The young midfielder was linked with a loan move away from Manchester United in the summer and has continued to attract interest heading into the New Year

Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna is still keeping tabs on Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo as the January transfer window approaches. The 20-year-old ace tried to secure a loan switch in the dying embers of the summer window, but United blocked his exit.

Mainoo had no desire to quit his boyhood club on a permanent basis and simply wanted a temporary spell elsewhere to guarantee game time this season. Italian giants Napoli showed interest, but it's understood the youngster has been grafting away at Carrington to win over United boss Ruben Amorim, who has thrown down the gauntlet for him to up his standards.

The midfielder has even switched his personal chef at home and enlisted a private coach during September's international break in a bid to elevate his performances.

"He needs to fight for his place," Amorim warned previously. "We need Kobbie. I understand that the players who aren't playing in this moment are disappointed. You have to fight during the week."

With the January window looming, Napoli are still reportedly interested in the England international.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, sporting director Manna is still tracking the midfielder's situation and holds his abilities in high regard.

Despite failing to sign him last summer, Napoli reportedly see themselves as the perfect platform for Mainoo to flaunt his skills ahead of the World Cup next year.

However, it's reported that any potential January deal would not include a buy option.

Sky Sports also reported this week that Napoli are still in touch with the midfielder's representatives.

Should Mainoo make the move to the Serie A club, he'd be joining ex-Reds teammate Scott McTominay in Naples, where McTominay has rapidly become a crowd favourite.

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