Serie A champions Napoli have reportedly begun their move to sign 20-year-old English midfielder Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United in the winter transfer window.

According to a report by Il Mattino, as relayed by Napoli Magazine, Kobbie Mainoo is the subject of interest from Napoli. The Serie A champions are eager to bolster their first-team squad by signing a versatile midfielder in the winter transfer window. So, the 20-year-old Manchester United whizkid has emerged as a target for the Partenopei for a loan move.

The Italian giants have already established contact with the Englishman’s entourage to discuss a January move. Meanwhile, a report by Tutto Mercato Web has revealed that Mainoo is Napoli’s top midfield target heading into the winter transfer window.

What is Kobbie Mainoo’s situation at Manchester United?

Kobbie Mainoo has been one of the world’s most promising young midfielders since breaking into the first-team squad at Manchester United. However, the 20-year-old has gone from being a regular under Erik ten Hag to a backup option for Ruben Amorim, having been in and out of the starting lineup since the Portuguese tactician took over at Old Trafford 12 months ago.

The English midfield prospect has managed only 261 minutes of game time in ten appearances thus far in the 2025/26 season. The situation may have reached a tipping point due to Mainoo’s frustrations, and it has piqued the attention of several high-profile clubs. Napoli will be among the prospective suitors vying for his signature heading into the winter transfer window.

Serie A adventure beckons?

Napoli wanted to sign Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United in the summer transfer window, but the deal failed to materialise. The continued interest is understandable, as Antonio Conte wants more options in the middle of the park to sustain a challenge on all fronts, even though he has a stacked midfield unit at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

However, with Kevin De Bruyne unavailable for several months, Billy Gilmour requiring surgery, and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa struggling with an injury, the Serie A champions need a new midfielder. So, Napoli will aim to sign Mainoo on loan in the winter transfer window, and they have established contact with the 20-year-old Englishman’s representatives.

However, widespread reports have suggested that Manchester United will not part ways with Mainoo in January. The Red Devils are keen on keeping the English international at Old Trafford for the long haul, and Napoli will face a tall order to land the young midfielder in the coming weeks, even though they have identified him as their top target.