Napoli Left Scrambling As Kobbie Mainoo Deal Takes Major Hit After Ruben Amorim Sacking

Napoli have seen their chances of signing Kobbie Mainoo dwindle as Manchester United have decided to part ways with Ruben Amorim.

Kobbie Mainoo To Napoli Unlikely After Ruben Amorim Sack

Manchester United have parted ways with Ruben Amorim following the Red Devils’ 1-1 stalemate with Leeds United on January 4th and this decision is set to impact the future of Kobbie Mainoo.

The England international appeared to be on his way out of Old Trafford after falling out-of-favor under Amorim, attracting huge interest from Napoli.

Mainoo almost joined the Serie A side on loan during the summer, but United blocked any move away and hoped to see an improved relationship between the player and manager.

However, this failed to materialize as Mainoo has not started in a single Premier League match this season and Amorim showed no signs of changing his mind.

The Portuguese coach was dismissed after a fiery post-match interview at Elland Road and the United board decided to take action with immediate effect.

Amorim took charge of 63 matches during his time in Manchester, winning 25, drawing 15 and losing 23, a record that was not enough to maintain his place at the helm.

A specific replacement is yet to be identified but Enzo Maresca is the favorite after parting ways with Chelsea and the Italian could play a pivotal role in Mainoo’s future.

The Englishman is reportedly willing to stay at Old Trafford for the remainder of this season now that Amorim is no longer in charge and Napoli are now searching for other options in midfield.

Antonio Conte Targets Bundesliga Midfielder

Antonio Conte is on the hunt for a midfield reinforcement this January as Kevin De Bruyne, Billy Gilmour and Frank Anguissa are expected to be out until March.

Mainoo was the Partenopei’s primary target, as the Italian side have found success with former Manchester United players in the past – as shown by Scott McTominay.

The Scudetto holders have been linked with multiple players so far, as Napoli target Abdul Fatawu, but Conte is still prioritizing a midfielder.

Among this list of potential candidates is RB Leipzig midfielder Xaver Schalger, as the Austrian’s deal in Germany comes to an end in June.

The 28-year-old is still a crucial member of the Leipzig roster, making 15 appearances this season and starting in the club’s last four Bundesliga matches.

Napoli can either sign the Austrian for a lesser fee in January or complete a pre-contract agreement that would see Schlager move to Naples in the summer.

Antonio Conte will need to act fast in order to bring Schlager to Napoli, as Juventus are also monitoring the Austrian’s situation in the Bundesliga.