Napoli are emerging as surprise suitors for Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
United remain in negotiations with the Serie A champions over a loan move for striker Rasmus Hojlund, which is likely to include an obligation to buy based on appearances.
The Italians are expected to raise the prospect of Mainoo during talks this week as they eye up a potential third signing from Old Trafford in 12 months after Scott McTominay’s exploits.
Napoli can offer Mainoo Champions League football, a key aspect of the 20-year-old’s decision-making process were United to sanction his departure, and as a result are thought to have an edge over Roma.
There is, however, serious competition in Antonio Conte’s midfield area – not least from McTominay.
McTominay, last season’s Serie A Player of the Year, scored and excelled primarily off the left wing during the opening day victory over Sassuolo.
Kobbie Mainoo (centre right) was unused substitute for Manchester United against Fulham and is now wanted by Napoli amid uncertainty over his future at his boyhood club
Napoli are set to open talks with Mainoo when they continue negotiations over Rasmus Hojlund
If Mainoo joined Napoli it’d see him reunite with ex-United team-mate Scott McTominay (left)
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Kevin De Bruyne notched on debut as well, with Frank Anguissa and Stanislav Lobotka also featuring in midfield. Billy Gilmour came on as a late substitute.
Conte’s options in that area of the pitch would present Mainoo a significant challenge, although the youngster is thought to be keen on the idea of proving himself on the continent.
Mainoo has found game time hard to come by under Ruben Amorim and not played a single minute so far this season, while talks over a new contract have stalled.