Everton eyeing loan move for Man Utd midfielder Kobbie Mainoo

Everton eyeing loan move for Man Utd midfielder Kobbie Mainoo

Everton are reportedly among the clubs monitoring Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, according to Italian outlet Il Mattino.

The Toffees are currently light in midfield, with Idrissa Gana Gueye away at the Africa Cup of Nations and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sidelined through injury.

That lack of depth has prompted David Moyes to explore his options, including the possibility of recalling Harrison Armstrong from his loan spell at Preston — a move the Everton boss has already suggested is likely in January.

At the same time, the club are assessing potential additions in the transfer market, with Mainoo emerging as a target.

The Manchester United academy graduate has found opportunities limited this season, making just 12 appearances in all competitions, only one of which was a start — coming in United’s disappointing Carabao Cup defeat to League Two Grimsby Town.

Under Ruben Amorim’s strict 3-4-3 system, the young midfielder has struggled for consistent game time.

Despite strong calls in the summer for him to be loaned out, United opted to keep him, maintaining he would play an important role in the squad.

Instead, as the campaign nears its midpoint, Mainoo has largely been restricted to brief substitute appearances.

With the 2026 World Cup drawing closer, there is a growing feeling that a January move could be beneficial in securing regular minutes, and interest in the 20-year-old is beginning to build across Europe.

Il Mattino reports that Everton have joined several clubs in registering their interest, as Moyes looks to reinforce his midfield options during the winter window.

Mainoo to Everton?

While Manchester United’s stance on a permanent transfer remains unclear, the report suggests Everton are considering various routes to bring Mainoo to Merseyside, including a loan deal.

However, the Toffees face competition, with Napoli, Fenerbahce and Besiktas also said to be tracking the England international. As a result, Everton may need to move quickly if they are to secure his signature.

Should a deal materialise, there is confidence that Mainoo would step straight into Moyes’ starting line-up and thrive alongside the likes of James Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

A temporary switch to the Hill Dickinson Stadium appears the most realistic option, as Everton may struggle to match United’s asking price for a permanent transfer, with the Premier League giants expected to demand a fee well above Mainoo’s £34 million valuation.