Scott McTominay has delivered his transfer verdict to Antonio Conte over Manchester United outcast Kobbie Mainoo.
The Scotland international has thrived since joining Napoli from his boyhood club 18 months ago and has made a mockery of United’s decision to sell him.
McTominay played a prominent role in his current club’s Serie A triumph last season and has begun the current campaign in equally impressive form.
The ex-Chelsea boss raided Old Trafford again during the summer when signed Rasmus Hojlund on loan, but has eye on another of McTominay’s former teamamtes.
Mainoo made a stunning breakthrough under Erik ten Hag, which culminated in him being part of the England squad that reached the final of Euro 2024.
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Amorim’s appointment as the Dutchman’s successor and his decision to implement a 3-4-3 formation has, however, seen one of United’s most promising young stars demoted to a bit-part role.
Indeed, the 20-year-old has made just eight appearances this season, while his only start came the fateful Carabao Cup defeat against League Two Grimsby.
United came close to sanctioning Mainoo’s departure during the most recent transfer window and were even willing to consider offers in the region of £45million.
Chelsea considered making an audacious offer but instead focused their efforts on recruiting another United youngster in Alejandro Garnacho.
Mainoo’s inactivity means he is likely to be on the radar of many a leading European club come January, particularly with his chances of being included in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad ebbing away.
According to The Sun, Conte has aaked McTominay for a lowdown on the technically gifted midfielder who earned rave reviews.
A source 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.
‘Kobbie has been brought up the right way at United having been in the academy since he was a little boy.
‘He would fit straight in and give Napoli a boost.’