Italian giants Napoli have identified Feyenoord captain Quinten Timber as a potential alternative to Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo as they seek to bolster their squad during the January transfer window.
Midfield Crisis Forces Napoli's Hand
The Serie A holders face mounting pressure to strengthen their midfield options after suffering several significant injury blows. Kevin De Bruyne is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury while scoring for his club, while Frank Anguissa's hamstring problem is expected to keep the Cameroon international out of action until February.
This midfield shortage has accelerated Napoli's search for reinforcements, with the club reportedly monitoring multiple targets ahead of the winter transfer period.
Timber Emerges as Viable Option
Quinten Timber, the 24-year-old twin brother of Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber, has emerged as a serious candidate for the Partenopei. The Dutch midfielder has captained Feyenoord since early last season and scored his first senior international goal for the Netherlands in a World Cup qualifier against Lithuania in September.
According to reports emerging from Italy, Timber's contract situation has made him particularly attractive to Napoli. There appears to be a growing belief that Feyenoord might consider a cut-price bid in January to prevent the player from leaving on a free transfer next summer.
Mainoo Interest Persists Amid Playing Time Concerns
Despite Timber emerging as an alternative, Napoli's interest in Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo remains strong. The England international impressed during Euro 2024 but has found first-team opportunities limited at Old Trafford this season.
This reduced playing time has seen Mainoo fall down the pecking order in the lead-up to the World Cup, making a potential January move increasingly plausible. Napoli have previous experience raiding Manchester United, having successfully signed Scott McTominay in 2024, with the Scot's goals proving instrumental in their title triumph last term.
The Italian club returned to the same source during the summer, bringing in Rasmus Hojlund on a season-long loan, with the Danish striker netting four times in ten appearances so far this campaign.
When questioned about potential January departures recently, United head coach Ruben Amorim remained non-committal, stating: "That is normal, and I also know that in our club, everything is a lot of noise, and you have to have news, and players are not playing. They want to play. Like you said, there's a World Cup. There are agents that listen to the players talking all the time. So, I understand that but they are our players, and we need everyone to have a good season."
Discussing Mainoo specifically, Amorim added: "I believe a lot in Kobbie but some of you think that Kobbie Mainoo is already done. I think he can do so much better. He can improve in a lot."
Mainoo isn't the only United fringe player attracting attention from abroad, with Roma among several clubs reportedly interested in rarely-used forward Joshua Zirkzee.
