Manchester United’s rising star may be loaned to Napoli this winter! He has already declined a contract extension, and Manchester United is willing to sell him for £40 million.

Manchester United’s 20-year-old midfielder, Kobbie Meno, has not started any Premier League games this season, and his prospects under Ruben Amorim’s management are growing dimmer. Unless this 40-year-old Portuguese coach stays on, Meno’s opportunity to regain his place is very limited unless he undergoes a total change and becomes a more energetic player.

Meno sought a loan move in the summer window but was turned down by the club. Serie A defending champions Napoli are considered the English youngster’s top choice, where he could play alongside former Red Devils teammates McTominay, Højlund, and the earlier predecessor Lukaku.

Sky Sports confirmed that Napoli is indeed very interested in signing Meno and is even willing to arrange a loan deal in January with a purchase option next summer, similar to Højlund’s transfer. Meno is quite keen on this because he aims to participate in the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, and believes that playing more matches is essential to make Tuchel’s squad. At Manchester United, he is only the fourth option for the central midfield positions.

Sasha Tavolieri explained: “As the summer transfer window was closing, Napoli engaged in detailed negotiations with Manchester United. Meanwhile, Napoli has also maintained ongoing contact with Meno’s agent team. The club remains in a favorable position to sign this highly promising English midfielder. They are even considering loaning him in the January winter window so he can gain more playing time and continue developing in a competitive environment. Napoli hopes to finalize this deal as soon as possible.”

The Daily Mirror reported that the opportunity to play alongside De Bruyne at Napoli also attracted Meno. Therefore, compared to Premier League clubs Newcastle United and Aston Villa, Meno feels joining Conte’s Napoli suits him better and would face less resistance from Manchester United’s side.

In La Liga, the Madrid giants Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid have also been linked with Meno in recent weeks. However, securing a starting spot at Real Madrid would be difficult, and Atlético’s Diego Simeone prefers a midfield style that does not match the Manchester United star’s strengths.

Manchester United previously valued Meno at £80 million, but like his friend Garnacho, the English midfield prodigy’s market value has sharply declined. His contract runs until 2027, which forces the club to consider lowering the asking price, likely between £40 million and £50 million to facilitate a deal.

According to British media, there has been no progress on Meno’s contract renewal. His wage demands remain high, between £150,000 and £180,000 per week, which the club is unwilling to meet. Manchester United holds an option to extend Meno’s contract by one year until 2028. However, if Meno refuses to renew, selling him next year might be the best chance to get the highest price.

Spain’s “Fichajes” transfer website reported that Meno has clearly told Manchester United he will not agree to a contract extension as long as Amorim remains head coach. He is dissatisfied with the current coach’s direction for the team and feels a lack of trust and opportunity, leaving him very frustrated and convinced he has no place in Amorim’s plans.

Meno’s concerns go beyond just playing time; he feels ignored by Amorim and believes the coaching staff does not give him enough attention, which hinders his development. Therefore, Manchester United may ultimately have to choose between the coach and the player, with the likelihood of them siding with Amorim being higher.