Newcastle United will reportedly compete with Chelsea and Real Madrid to sign 20-year-old Manchester United whizkid Kobbie Mainoo in the winter transfer window.
According to an update by Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur, Kobbie Mainoo is the subject of interest from Newcastle United. The Magpies are keen on reinforcing their midfield unit in the winter transfer window, and they are ready to submit a bid to secure his services. Meanwhile, the 20-year-old Manchester United whizkid is also a target for Chelsea and Real Madrid, with the Red Devils demanding £60 million to part ways with him.
Kobbie Mainoo and his situation
Kobbie Mainoo has reached a crucial juncture in his career after struggling for game time in the early stages of the 2025/26 season. While the Englishman has been impressive since breaking into the first-team squad under Erik ten Hag, he has been in and out of the starting lineup since Ruben Amorim took over nearly 12 months ago.
The 20-year-old has managed only 163 minutes of game time in three outings thus far in the 2025/26 season, and Amorim has yet to hand him a start in the Premier League. However, Mainoo’s stock in the market is high, with Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Real Madrid among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.
A man in demand
The English international has been on Chelsea’s radar for a long time. The continued interest is perplexing, considering Enzo Maresca has a stacked midfield unit, with Andrey Santos adding to his options this season. Nevertheless, the Manchester United whizkid remains a target for Chelsea, with Maresca keen on adding to his options in the middle of the park.
Similarly, Newcastle United’s interest in Kobbie Mainoo is surprising. Eddie Howe has a stacked midfield unit, with the Tyneside outfit adding to his options by signing Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa in the summer transfer window. However, with Joelinton’s long-term future uncertain, a player like Mainoo can be a top-notch addition to the Newcastle United midfield.
As for Real Madrid, Eduardo Camavinga’s fitness issues may have compelled Los Blancos to seek a midfield solution from the market. So, Mainoo has emerged as a viable target for Real Madrid, with the 20-year-old Englishman being an appealing option due to his versatility. However, Newcastle United will aim to win the battle for his signature by submitting a bid to Manchester United.
Meanwhile, Manchester United will demand around £60 million to part ways with Mainoo. However, recent reports have claimed that the Red Devils want to tie the English international to a new contract. So, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for Mainoo amid his links with Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Real Madrid.
