Inter Milan are reportedly interested in signing Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo during this summer’s transfer window.
Mainoo has a contract at Old Trafford until June 2027, with the option of a further 12 months, but there has recently been a host of speculation surrounding the 19-year-old’s future.
Man United have thus far been unsuccessful in their attempts to sign the England international to a new deal, and it was recently claimed that the youngster is preparing to seek pastures new at the end of the campaign.
Mainoo is one of the lowest earners in the first-team squad at Old Trafford on approximately £20,000 a week, and it is understood that he is looking for around £180,000 a week to pen a new contract.
Man United are not believed to be actively looking to sell their academy product, but the club’s financial situation means that difficult decisions need to be made, and a big-money sale of Mainoo would be incredibly beneficial from a financial point of view.
Inter ‘in the running’ for Man United’s Mainoo
The 20-time English champions are believed to value Mainoo in the region of £70m, with Chelsea linked with him in January, although it is difficult to imagine the Red Devils letting him move to a Premier League rival.
According to Calciomercato, Inter are keeping a close eye on the teenager’s situation, with the Italian giants keen to secure his signature during this summer’s transfer window.
The report claims that Inter view Mainoo as the ideal player to boost their midfield, and the Serie A side could approach Man United in the coming weeks to discuss the possibility of a move.
It has been a frustrating season for the Englishman, being restricted to just 25 appearances in all competitions due to injury problems, while he has only managed one goal and one assist.
Mainoo has not managed a single goal or assist in the Premier League this season, but he could return from injury against Nottingham Forest next week, as Man United resume their domestic campaign after the international break.
Which other clubs are keen on Mainoo?
At £70m, there are not many clubs in Europe that will be able to afford Mainoo, and Man United would not be willing to let him leave in a cut-price deal this summer, so it is more likely that he stays than leaves.
That said, Real Madrid and Barcelona are both said to be admirers of the teenager, and it is not impossible to imagine him making the move to a major La Liga team during the summer market.
There remain question marks surrounding his suitability for Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, having struggled in central midfield, but he has also been used as a number 10 and a centre-forward this term.
In total, Mainoo has made 60 appearances for Man United, scoring six goals and registering two assists in the process, and he is said to be firmly in Thomas Tuchel‘s England plans despite missing the German’s first Three Lions camp through injury.
