Everton will reportedly look to sign 20-year-old English international Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United in the winter transfer window, with Joshua Zirkzee also a target.
According to a report by i News, Kobbie Mainoo is the subject of interest from Everton. The Toffees are keen on bolstering their first-team squad by signing a versatile midfielder in the winter transfer window. So, the 20-year-old Manchester United whizkid has emerged as a target for the Merseyside outfit.
Apart from Mainoo, Joshua Zirkzee is also a target for Everton. However, they are too expensive for the winter transfer window, and the Merseyside club will likely pursue a loan deal for the Manchester United duo. Meanwhile, Jack Grealish may turn “agent” to help the Toffees land the Englishman.
What is Kobbie Mainoo’s frustrating situation?
Kobbie Mainoo may have already reached a crossroads in his career after enduring a frustrating 2025/26 campaign. The 20-year-old rose in prominence under Erik ten Hag, who brought the best out of him. However, the academy graduate has been a backup player since Ruben Amorim took over at Manchester United, as he “occupies the same position as captain Bruno Fernandes”.
The English international has managed only 302 minutes of game time in 12 appearances thus far in the 2025/26 season. So, it is hardly surprising that Mainoo is pushing to leave Manchester United in the winter transfer window. The youngster’s situation has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs, including Everton.
Move across the Premier League on the cards?
Everton mulled over signing Kobbie Mainoo in the summer transfer window, but a deal did not materialise. The continued interest is understandable, as Idrissa Gueye is in the twilight of his career. Additionally, the Senegalese international is unavailable for a few weeks due to his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Additionally, James Garner is in the final few months of his contract, with the situation capturing the attention of several clubs, including Manchester United. Meanwhile, Tim Iroegbunam’s long-term future is uncertain, compelling Everton to pursue a midfielder. Several candidates have thus emerged on Everton’s radar, with Mainoo also a viable target.
The 20-year-old Englishman is not the only Manchester United player on Everton’s radar, as they are also keen on signing Joshua Zirkzee. However, they are too expensive for the winter transfer window, and the Merseyside club will likely pursue a loan deal for the Manchester United duo. Meanwhile, Jack Grealish may turn “agent” to help the Toffees land the Englishman. Meanwhile, the Red Devils are hesitant to part ways with the 20-year-old in January.
