'There is interest' - Fabrizio Romano names the Manchester United transfer 'to follow' in the January window

Manchester United insist they have no plans to offload Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee in the January transfer window despite their desire for more playing time.

The duo have both had to deal with reduced roles in the United side this season and are at risk of missing out on a place at the World Cup next summer. Mainoo had a loan request rejected in the final days of the summer window, while Zirkzee is eager to depart on his own temporary deal early next year.

Ruben Amorim sympathises with the duo and understands why they are unhappy with their lack of playing time, though he is adamant they will both get opportunities over the coming months. United are set to be without Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo for at least three matches during the Africa Cup of Nations, which could mean an increased role for either of the pair.

Romano issues Mainoo transfer update

Manchester United are light on first-team cover this season and know things could change very quickly with a couple of injuries or suspensions. There are only four senior central midfielders in the current first-team squad, while Joshua Zirkzee is still the most natural replacement for Benjamin Sesko in the striker role.

From a selfish perspective, it is easy to see why United would not want to jeopardise their own season by allowing two experienced players to leave in the January window. That stance is reiterated by Fabrizio Romano, though he warned that the future of Kobbie Mainoo is one to 'follow' as we approach the next transfer window.

"The January market is coming. One of the players we have to follow for the January transfer window is Kobbie Mainoo," Romano said in his latest YouTube video.

"Mainoo and (Joshua) Zirkzee both have this desire to play more, but Manchester United still insist to keep the players at the club. Ruben Amorim is insisting to keep them because there will be many games in the next months. Okay, Man United don't play European competition, but they are in a very good moment and there will be many games around the end of the year.

"He wants as many players for that part of the year and the second-half of the season. So Amorim still hopes to keep Kobbie Mainoo. There is interest from Napoli after the injury of Kevin de Bruyne. There is interest also from West Ham, who have called to understand the situation of both Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo on loan, to give them the opportunity to play and the chance to go to the World Cup.

"At the moment, they are not open to a negotiation. Nothing else is evolving about this."

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