Everton increasingly likely to sign Kobbie Mainoo in January swoop after scenes spotted at Old Trafford
Everton are eyeing a move to sign Manchester United outcast Kobbie Mainoo in the January transfer window.
Mainoo is attracting interest throughout Europe, with the midfielder expected to move for a more prominent role.
Ruben Amorim is yet to start the 20-year-old in the Premier League this season, restricting him to brief appearances off the bench.
Manchester United insiders are angry about the treatment of Mainoo, who had been a consistent starter under Erik ten Hag.
Bayern Munich are among the clubs expected to challenge Everton for Mainoo’s signature, although the England international is expected to favour a move within the Premier League.
Kobbie Mainoo receives public support amid Ruben Amorim snub
Manchester United are expected to sanction Mainoo’s departure in January, with decision-makers hoping to avoid a permanent sale.
The midfielder broke into the first team at just the age of 18, instantly becoming a key part of Ten Hag’s squad.
| Kobbie Mainoo | Premier League 2025-26 |
| Appearances | 11 |
| Starts | 0 |
| Minutes played | 212 |
He would go on to score the winner in the FA Cup final in 2024, as the Red Devils beat Manchester City at Wembley.
Such was Mainoo‘s season impressive, Gareth Southgate opted to include the midfielder in his England squad for the 2024 European Championships, where he would start all four knockout games.
But Amorim’s arrival last season has seen the 20-year-old’s development put on hold, with the Portuguese coach favouring a more experienced two-man midfield.
In a moment that likely would not have helped the situation, Mainoo’s brother, Jordan Mainoo-Hames, was spotted wearing a shirt that featured the phrase “free Kobbie Mainoo” at Old Trafford on Monday.
Odds shorten as Everton hopes of signing Mainoo strengthen
Everton have a history of signing former Manchester United academy players. The Toffees signed James Garner from the Red Devils, with Michael Keane also having emerged from Carrington academy.
David Moyes‘ system would appear perfect for Mainoo, too, with the Scot deploying a three-man midfield.
The England international could well accompany Garner as part of the slightly deeper two, or indeed challenge Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the more advanced role.
The Toffees have enjoyed an up-and-down season, but sit ninth in the Premier League, and could be just two or three signings away from a surge up the table.
Everton’s odds of signing Mainoo have shortened to 14/1 in recent days, with Serie A champions Napoli still leading the race (5/4) according to one major bookmaker.