McTominay contract talks stall at Napoli as Carrick plots January loan for Amass

Scott McTominay’s time at Napoli could be cut short after contract renewal talks between the Scottish midfielder and the Serie A club reached an impasse, with the two parties reportedly far apart on wages. Meanwhile, Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is plotting a January loan move for academy left-back Harry Amass as United sit 12th in the Premier League following the international break.

McTominay, 29, joined Napoli from United in August 2024 and has enjoyed a remarkable spell in Naples, winning the Scudetto and the Supercoppa Italiana and becoming a fan favourite. However, according to Corriere dello Sport, talks over a long-term extension have dragged on for months without resolution. McTominay is understood to be seeking a deal worth between £6.8m and £7.7m per season through to 2030, a figure that currently exceeds Napoli’s budget. Sporting director Giovanni Manna acknowledged the difficulty last month, saying: “It’s not easy, but we’re trying.” Negotiations are expected to resume once McTominay returns from surgery for a benign cardiac arrhythmia.

At Old Trafford, attention is turning to the January window and the immediate future of 19-year-old Amass. The left-back came close to leaving United permanently last summer, but the club opted to retain him and are now expected to activate the 12-month option in his current contract. Once that extension is secured, United plan to send him out on loan to gain regular first-team football.

Amass, who joined United’s academy from Watford in 2023, made his first senior start for the club in April 2025 and has already featured under Carrick this season, including a Champions League appearance in the 4-0 win over Sabah FK. He previously spent time on loan at Sheffield Wednesday before a further stint at Norwich City rounded out last season.

On the pitch, United’s domestic form has been inconsistent. Carrick’s side have taken five points from five Premier League matches, drawing with Everton, losing 1-0 to Manchester City, and being held 1-1 by Fulham after an opening-day defeat to Hull City. A 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town remains their standout league result, and they were also eliminated from the Carabao Cup by Brighton.