Man City 'chasing' Manchester United wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo and more transfer rumours

Manchester City are reportedly lining-up an audacious swoop to target promising Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo - according to Four Four Two magazine.

Mainoo is highly-rated within the United system and the teenager has already made his senior debut. The 18-year-old is fighting fit once again following an early-season ankle injury.

Reports from Four Four Two argue their treble-winning neighbours City are considering a shock move for Mainoo. However, given the intense rivalry between the sides and the midfielder having a long-term contract, the rumours must be taken with a pinch of salt.

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Stockport-born Mainoo has played three times for United at first-team level and the player has also been capped by England U19s to underline his promise. He has returned to training at Carrington after his injury setback and will travel with United to Fulham for their next Premier League match on Saturday lunchtime.

Mainoo was an unused substitute in the Manchester derby last Sunday afternoon. Four Four Two does not mention any proposed fee for Mainoo and the player remains under contract at Old Trafford until 2027.

Elsewhere, reports from Football Transfers indicate Raphael Varane could be ready to follow Cristiano Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia when the market reopens. United signed Varane from Real Madrid in 2021 and the Frenchman played with Ronaldo at both clubs before the latter then signed for Al-Nassr.

According to the article, Varane turned down a potential switch to the Gulf state this summer. However, with one eye on his future, the World Cup winner is thought to be intrigued by that particular option.

Varane has played 72