Tottenham have competition for the signing of the said PL star in question.
Tottenham Hotspur have been looking to bring in some midfielders in the ongoing winter transfer window. And that need just compounds after the recent injury that Rodrigo Bentancur picked up in the midweek, which stretches what is already a thin midfield at Hotspur Way.
This is where many Lilywhites supporters would have their minds go to Manchester United’s academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo, whose future at Old Trafford has been a constant talking point in the lead-up to January.
Kobbie Mainoo has been linked with United exit
The 20-year-old has found opportunities hard to come by at Carrington this season. His minutes were limited under Ruben Amorim prior to the Portuguese head coach’s dismissal at Old Trafford.
To put things into perspective, the £25,000-a-week star is yet to start a Premier League game this season. Given his potential, this has led to obvious exit talks.
While a managerial change at M16 can end up changing his exit possibilities, a winter exit does remain firmly on the table.
But if that exit comes into the picture, Tottenham have been handed a massive blow, as Serie A giants Napoli have moved into the pole position to attain his signature.
Napoli favourites to land Mainoo
The links to Napoli have been compounding along the ongoing season, and it looks like their interest in signing Mainoo is reflected in the betting markets. According to the latest odds (via Football Insider), they are now the clear favourites to sign the England international in this winter window, with the bookmakers pricing the transfer at 1/1.
Napoli are looking to win back-to-back Serie A titles and then also go deep into the Champions League, and that is where bringing in Mainoo will add quality to their second phase. And then his situation at United has only given them more confidence in getting the deal over the line.
To put it into perspective with Tottenham, the North Londoners are third favourites to land Mainoo at 10/1, below second-placed Chelsea at 8/1.
Author Opinion
Mainoo has a massive quality that he brings to the table. But the fact that Napoli are leading the race despite the Lilywhites desperately needing someone like him in the middle of the park shows the lack of potency in the transfer market at N17.
Do you think Tottenham should be pushing to sign Mainoo if he is available in the market? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.