Manchester United have now begun contract negotiations with the “incredible” midfielder, who manager Ruben Amorim is keen to sign with INEOS.
Manchester United eye new midfielder amid Maynu controversy
Coby Mainu’s younger brother Jordan Mainu-Hames caused a controversy by wearing ‘Free Koby Mainu’ during Man United’s game against AFC Bournemouth, with talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham slamming the former Love Island contestant.
Mr Durham said: “Can you imagine his brother doing that when Fergie was manager? Fergie would have kicked Coby Mainu out of the club by the next morning.
“It was completely insane for him and it’s selfish for his brother to do that. It’s completely for him to get attention and that doesn’t help Koby Mainu and it doesn’t help Manchester United.”
The midfielder has already struggled to feature in games this season, only starting in the EFL Cup defeat to Grimsby Town, and it remains to be seen how his younger brother’s stunt will affect his future.
The Red Devils are stepping up their search for a new midfielder, with Maynou’s future in doubt heading into the January transfer window amid interest from Everton, Chelsea and Bayern Munich.
This is according to a report from TEAMtalk, with Manchester United opening talks to sign Al Hilal’s Ruben Neves, with the Saudi Professional League side revealing they are ready to sell the midfielder in the January transfer window.
Al Hilal were unable to agree terms on a new contract with the Portuguese maestro, with a return to Europe being mooted next month given his current contract expires at the end of the season.
Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are also in talks for the central midfielder and there could be a bidding war, but Amorim is personally pushing for his signature and will be hoping United will win the race.
‘Unbelievable’ Neves impressed in Saudi Arabia
It is no wonder that Al Hilal were keen to extend the contract of the Portuguese international, who has made 63 appearances, given his good form from an attacking point of view, with five goals and one assist in five games in all competitions this season.
Journalist Raj Chohan also waxed lyrical about the former Wolverhampton Wanderers Premier League player, suggesting he has the ability to play for a top club.
It is unclear what kind of compensation Al Hilal expect for the 28-year-old, but with his contract expiring this summer, they are not necessarily in a better position in negotiations.
Man United will therefore have to try their luck in the January transfer window amid widespread interest in the 19-year-old, especially if Mainu leaves.
