Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo will join Napoli in January transfer window if Scott McTominay’s charm works on his manager: Report

Scott McTominay is lobbying for Kobbie Mainoo as Napoli manager Antonio Conte is said to be looking to make signings when the winter transfer window opens.

While Mainoo, 20, has been linked with the defending Serie A champions for some time now, McTominay is not leaving any stone unturned to ensure its fruition, English tabloids are reporting. The Scotland international is reportedly convinced that his former teammate will be a great addition to Conte’s midfield. He has been briefing his gaffer in detail about the strengths of the youngster’s game, leaving out no detail of things he observed while training with him, the reports said.

"Scott has been to see Conte and told him to get Kobbie. He’s told him all about his strengths and what an outstanding player he is... He knows all about him from his time at United and thinks he would be a great addition to the squad, whether it’s on loan or a permanent deal," SunSport quoted a source close to McTominay as telling them. 28-year-old McTominay joined the Naples side last summer and quickly adapted. He scored 12 goals as Napoli emerged the Serie A champions, beating Inter Milan in an intense title race. Scott's impact on the campaign was such that he became the season's MVP, and finished 18th in the prestigious Ballon d’Or race.

FULL REPORT | Manchester United transfers: Kobbie Mainoo to Napoli loan deal a real possibility as AFCON looms for Zambo Anguissa

Mainoo, who rose meteorically in the United ranks, is struggling for game time ever since Rúben Amorim took over as manager. The Portuguese gaffer is not trusting the academy graduate to play second fiddle to his regular starters. Amorim has only handed him 117 minutes this season. He is yet to make a start this season and has managed only one assist, that too in the EFL Cup. Alejandro Garnacho, who was believed to be the future of the club alongside Mainoo during the Erik ten Hag era, is currently with Chelsea, and Mainoo too is said to be on his way out in January.

Earlier it was reported that Conte will look to get Mainoo to strengthen Napoli's midfield in January as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is scheduled to take place from December 21 this year and go on until January 18, 2026. Unless Cameroon crash out early, Napoli will be without midfielder André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, who is a key figure for Conte. The winter transfer window will open on New Year's Day, and if Mainoo is acquired in the early days itself, he could be used until Anguissa is back. Once he is back, Mainoo will operate as his backup, still a better deal for the England international with the World Cup fast approaching.

Romelu Lukaku and Rasmus Højlund, two other United stars, are also currently part of the Napoli setup. Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne had also joined the Italian champions in the summer. Napoli are at par with AC Milan at the top of the table but have a game in hand.