English midfielder Kobbie Mainoo could follow in the footsteps of Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho and leave Manchester United in this summer's transfer window, with multiple European clubs understood to be closely monitoring his situation.
Five Premier League teams have considered making an approach for the 20-year-old, including Aston Villa, Brentford, Chelsea, Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur. Beyond that, other European heavyweights such as Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid, Juventus and Napoli are also keeping tabs on developments regarding the England international.
Mainoo has requested to leave on loan before the Monday transfer deadline to secure more playing time. A permanent departure from United is not out of the question for him either, but he would only consider joining a club that competes in the Champions League.
Manchester United is reluctant to approve a loan deal and has told Mainoo that he must fight for his place in the team. As a result, the possibility of him leaving before the Monday deadline remains unlikely at this stage, as United has barely any time to sign a replacement.
So what is Manchester United's current stance?
United is not actively looking to sell Mainoo. However, after the club's embarrassing exit from the EFL Cup following a defeat to Grimsby Town on Wednesday, it may be forced to take further action in the transfer market.
Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo is regarded as a midfielder who could reshape Amorim's tactical setup, but the Seagulls' asking price of £100 million has put United off. Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace has also attracted United's attention.
United is willing to accept a lower offer to sell Mainoo, who has two years left on his contract. When Chelsea enquired about signing him in January, United's asking price was £70 million. But it is understood that United is now prepared to accept a reduced bid to offload him.
