Inter keep track of Mainoo situation at Manchester United | OneFootball

Inter are being linked with a potentially sensational swoop for Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, although there are several reasons why it is improbable.

He turns 20 next month and was an overnight sensation after his promotion from the Manchester United youth academy to the senior squad, quickly becoming an essential figure.

Mainoo has already earned 10 senior caps for England as a teenager and has a contract at Old Trafford until June 2027, with an option to extend by another year.

However, he is not necessarily key to the future of the Premier League side and there are reports in Calciomercato.it, the Manchester Evening News and teamTALK that Inter are ready to pounce.

Mainoo would fit into Inter midfield

LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 26: Kobbie Mainoo of Manchester United in action during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Manchester United FC at Craven Cottage on January 26, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Described in the Italian media as the ‘new Paul Pogba,’ Mainoo would fill an important gap in the Nerazzurri midfield, where Hakan Calhanoglu and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are getting older.

There are, however, some reasons that make it implausible, including the €70m asking price that would simply not fit in with Inter’s spending structure.

They tend to focus on free agents and players with prospects who can be developed rather than shelling out large sums.

His salary demands would also likely be outside of the Inter spending cap.

The club already secured Petar Sucic from Dinamo Zagreb for €15m plus bonuses, leaving him on loan until the end of the season.