Kobbie Mainoo in demand from Napoli and 10 other clubs as Manchester United eye Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott – Paper Round
Updated 16/12/2025 at 08:15 GMT
Tuesday’s Paper Round leads on Manchester United, with the club interested in Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott amid reports more than 10 clubs want to sign Kobbie Mainoo, who has barely featured under Ruben Amorim this season. Elsewhere, former Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers looks set to move to Saudi Arabia, while one West Ham United striker is wanted by clubs in Italy and Germany.
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Napoli are at the front of a queue featuring more than 10 clubs interested in signing Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, the Telegraph reports.
United head coach Ruben Amorim is yet to start Mainoo in the Premier League this season, with the 20-year-old largely reduced to appearances off the bench.
The Telegraph writes: "The Mainoo situation is a deeply uncomfortable one for United. The club have already backed Amorim’s judgement over two other prominent academy graduates by offloading Marcus Rashford on loan to Barcelona and selling Alejandro Garnacho to Chelsea for £40m.
"But Amorim’s handling of Mainoo is a thornier issue for many fans and Telegraph Sport understands there are figures within the club who are very uneasy about the player’s predicament and what a potential exit could signify.
"Antonio Conte remains keen to add Mainoo to a Napoli squad that already contains Rasmus Hojlund, currently on loan from Old Trafford, and United old boys Scott McTominay and Romelu Lukaku, and the player still fancies a switch to the Italian club he wanted to join in August. But the number of clubs who want to take Mainoo, including plenty from the Premier League, comfortably runs into double figures."
Man Utd want Bournemouth’s Scott
Meanwhile, United are interested in Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, the 22-year-old who recently earned his first England call-up under Thomas Tuchel.
Scott starred for The Young Lions at the summer’s U21 Euros, and with United planning a midfield overhaul they view the player as a ready-made Premier League star who could be cheaper than other options.
The Sun adds: "Nottingham Forest talisman Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace and Brighton enforcer Carlos Baleba are also under consideration by United.
"The former Bristol City player primarily lines up alongside Tyler Adams, who has also been linked with United."
Rodgers in Saudi talks
Brendan Rodgers is considering a return to management, with Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadsiah in talks with the former Celtic, Liverpool and Leicester City boss, the Guardian reports.
The 52-year-old had previously turned down a move to Saudi in 2023, but fresh from sacking their manager Michel, it appears Al-Qadsiah are eager to lure Rodgers to the kingdom.
The Guardian adds: "He is expected to sign a long-term contract in the coming days at a club owned by Aramco, the state-owned Saudi oil company.
"The former Liverpool manager won back-to-back Scottish titles during a second spell at Celtic, with matters subsequently turning sour due to troubles in the transfer market.
"Rodgers’ permanent replacement at Celtic, Wilfried Nancy, has lost his first three matches in office. Nancy’s struggles have fuelled the theory that Celtic should have retained Martin O’Neill, who took caretaker charge after Rodgers left, for a longer period."
AC Milan want Fullkrug
AC Milan are monitoring Niclas Fullkrug and could make a move for the West Ham United striker in January, the Daily Mail reports.
A number of clubs are interested in signing the striker, including Wolfsburg, but Milan are said to be eager given the club are considering surgery for forward Santiago Gimenez due to his ankle problem.
The Mail adds: "West Ham will listen to offers for Fullkrug but would want a return on their £27 million investment in the 32-year-old to put towards strengthening their own forward options in January.
"The German striker joined the club last summer and his move was met with anticipation and expectation - but things haven't exactly worked out that way.
"Milan are likely to offer a loan with an option to buy, though, which may not suit West Ham's demands, despite Fullkrug's agent seemingly suggesting he is keen to leave the London side."
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