Kobbie Mainoo: Real Madrid nearing surprise deal for Man United midfielder | OneFootball

Manchester United could be left with a weakened midfield if Real Madrid get their way in final hours of deadline day.

Throughout the summer, it has been reported that United are in the market for a new midfielder. Late in July, The Peoples Person relayed a report suggesting United made a decision to offload Toby Collyer to potentially clear the pathway for a midfield signing.

United explored the possibility of signing Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion early in August. However, the Seagulls refused to negotiate his immediate exit, and the Red Devils didn’t show great determination to sign another midfielder.

Mainoo wants to leave Man United

Now, United are facing a battle to keep Kobbie Mainoo at Old Trafford.

Mainoo has made it clear he wants to leave the club on a temporary basis after struggling for regular starts under Ruben Amorim, who wants the talented youngster to compete with skipper Bruno Fernandes for minutes in the middle of the park.

The 20-year-old delivered a promising performance at Grimsby Town in his first start of the season. However, Amorim sent him back to the bench in the next game against Burnley.

The precarious relationship between Amorim and Mainoo has sparked interest from all over Europe.

Real Madrid trying to sign Mainoo

According to Defensa Central, as relayed by Football365, Real Madrid are now “one step away” from signing Mainoo before Monday’s 7pm deadline.

It is claimed that Los Blancos are “willing to take on Kobbie Mainoo on loan” and the United academy product “would be delighted to wear the Real Madrid shirt and play at the Santiago Bernabeu.”

Xabi Alonso has shown a real desire to incorporate and develop young players in his possession-focused system.

The report adds: “The summer transfer window is about to close, and Kobbie Mainoo continues to pressure Manchester United to let him go out on loan to a team where he’ll have real opportunities and can continue to develop as a player.”

It is understood Real “had to back out of the Mainoo deal” earlier in the summer due to uncertainty over Dani Ceballos’s future, but now the Spanish giants are “aware that sooner or later they will need a playmaking midfielder.”

Having said that, the Old Trafford hierarchy remain firm in their intention to keep hold of Mainoo. On Sunday, Fabrizio Romano reported that United “keep blocking” the dynamic midfielder’s exit.

Featured image Vasili Mihai-Antonio via Getty Images

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