Manchester United have had a major overhaul of their squad this summer, seeing several new faces join the club, with other unwanted stars leaving, however have fought to retain Kobbie Mainoo.
The United academy graduate approached the club, requesting permission to go out on loan to get more minutes on the pitch, having fallen down the pecking order under Ruben Amorim.
Ultimately, United rejected the request, wanting the midfielder to stay at the club and fight for his spot instead of seeing him go to another team.
However, six major clubs were not only waiting in the wings, but actively enquired about a move for the former Golden Boy nominee, being told he’s not available.
The Daily Mail has revealed that the front-runners for Mainoo were in fact Napoli, looking to reunite him with former teammate Scott McTominay and recent departure Rasmus Hojlund.
However, the Serie A champions were also up against Roma, Marseille, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Everton in wanting the United star.
Ultimately United retained Mainoo, with the midfielder set to remain at the club for the season, with The Red Devils failing to recruit to midfield this summer, being happy with their current options.
This decision comes as Amorim’s side have been linked with the likes of Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, with the club previously looking for a long-term replacement for club captain Bruno Fernandes as the Portuguese midfielder doesn’t rule out a move away after next year’s World Cup.
