Everton have got an obvious path to bringing in Kobbie Mainoo in the January transfer window after Ruben Amorim’s latest public comments.

Suggestions of Everton moving for Mainoo arose during the summer transfer window and since that point he has struggled for game time at Man United.

The England international has come off the bench 10 times in the Premier League this term but hasn’t had many minutes, and his only start has come in the Carabao Cup exit against Grimsby.

Dan Plumley has told Goodison News that Everton signing Mainoo would be costly on the wage bill, but if David Moyes is interested the door appears to be wide open.

Ruben Amorim pleased to discuss Mainoo loan exit

Speaking ahead of Man United’s game against Bournemouth on Monday Old Trafford boss Amorim indicated he would be quite happy to entertain a temporary move for Mainoo if the player wants it.

The Portuguese said: “If Kobbie comes to me and talks to me, I will talk to him. I’m not going to say what I’m going to say to Kobbie but I will be really pleased if Kobbie comes to talk to me about that [a loan move]. I just want my players happy and I understand that every individual has their goals.

“The frustration [of any player] doesn’t help anybody. But again, the focus is [Bournemouth] and we will see if that happens. I had some conversations with him, especially last year, and with other players but about that subject, no I didn’t speak with him. I am completely open [to talk].”

Everton need Idrissa Gueye replacement

If the appetite on Merseyside is there then there is sound logic for Everton and Mainoo to do a deal when the window opens.

The Toffees are thin in central midfield outside of regular starters Idrissa Gueye, who is going to the Africa Cup of Nations imminently, and James Garner, who is often needed to deputise at right back.

Everton want Garner to stay exclusively in midfield while they sign a right-back, but if those plans don’t come off then Mainoo could slot right in ahead of Tim Ireogbunam.

From the United outcast’s point of view he only needs to look at Jack Grealish‘s situation after he too was frozen out in Manchester, albeit on the other side of the city under Pep Guardiola, and see someone playing regularly and generally rejuvenated.

While Merlin Rohl is also at the club he isn’t a domestic loan so there should be space to entice Mainoo to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, if there is room on the wage bill.

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