Everton join Kobbie Mainoo transfer race as Man United star ‘baffled’ at situation ahead of January
Everton are lining up a move for Kobbie Mainoo ahead of the January transfer window.
The Toffees have seen their bright start to the new Premier League season slip away a little in recent weeks, and they will be keen to add to their ranks further this winter.
Charlie Cresswell is emerging as a target for Everton, as they look to add strength in depth at the heart of their defence.
The centre of midfield also now appears to be an area of concern, with David Moyes and Co. eyeing an Old Trafford raid to address that issue.
Kobbie Mainoo wants to leave Man United in January
Everton were briefly linked with a move for Mainoo in the summer, when the midfielder first made noises about a potential departure from his boyhood club.
Nothing materialised for the England international on that occasion, but it could be a very different story this time around, given that he is yet to start a game in league action so far this term.
Mainoo is expected to push for an exit from the Red Devils once again in January, with a whole host of clubs queuing up to sign him, according to CaughtOffside.
The 20-year-old is understood to “want out” of Old Trafford, and is “baffled” by the lack of opportunities that he has received under Ruben Amorim.
Any potential deal for the starlet is likely to be a loan at the moment, and Everton are among the growing group of suitors for him.
Napoli are believed to be leading the race for his signature right now, while there is also interest from the likes of Tottenham, Chelsea, Newcastle and many more.
There is even shock interest from Spain in the form of Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.
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Why Everton may have the edge in Kobbie Mainoo race
Everton are likely to lose Idrissa Gueye for a prolonged period across the end of December and January, as he is surely set to head to the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.
However, the 36-year-old’s absence could actually prove to be the thing that hands the Toffees a crucial edge when it comes to the fight for Mainoo’s services.
There are plenty of bigger names than the Hill Dickinson Stadium outfit who are keen on the youngster, but that may not hold much significance at all if United are only likely to sanction a loan exit.
Gueye’s likely absence would mean that Everton would be well-placed to promise a significant amount of gametime to Mainoo, and that could easily sway the decision from both him and his parent club, given the quality that some of the other interested parties possess.
In this instance, it looks as though the Merseysiders will have to box smarter than their competitors if they want to get a deal done.
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