Newcastle United and Aston Villa have been named as the latest clubs exploring a January move for Kobbie Mainoo, according to the Sunday Mirror.
The 20 year old midfielder has endured a difficult campaign under Ruben Amorim with just 113 minutes in the league.
Mainoo is ranked behind Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte in midfield and opportunities have been limited despite early promise.
He pushed for a loan before the summer deadline but Manchester United made clear no move would be sanctioned.
The academy product valued at £44m [$59m] has since featured only as a substitute, most recently against Sunderland at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim has explained that Mainoo is competing with Fernandes for the number eight role which limits his chances.
Mainoo knows that regular football is critical to forcing his way into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup.
Napoli are ahead in the race for Kobbie Mainoo
According to the Mirror, Napoli have retained interest after failing with a summer bid and remain strong favourites to win the midfielder’s signature.
The Serie A champions can offer him a reunion with Scott McTominay and the chance to grow under Antonio Conte.
To play alongside Kevin De Bruyne could make the project more attractive for the youngster.
While Newcastle and Villa are monitoring his situation United may prefer sending him abroad rather than strengthening domestic rivals.