Gareth Southgate is considering fast-tracking young Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo through the England ranks as interest in the teenager intensifies from Ghana, sources have told ESPN.
The 18-year-old has emerged as a hugely promising midfielder under Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford and started his 10th consecutive match across all competitions on Sunday as United beat Aston Villa 2-1 at Villa Park.
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Mainoo has represented England at under-17s, U18s and U19s level but is eligible to switch his allegiance to Ghana, where his parents were born.
The youngster still spends some of his spare time back in Ghana and the country’s football association confirmed earlier this month they were keen on convincing Mainoo to represent them at international level.
However, sources have told ESPN that Southgate believes Mainoo has significant potential and is keen to accelerate his progress with England.
Southgate will name his senior squad on March 14 and there is a chance Mainoo could be included should he continue his superb form for United, although it is equally likely at this stage that he could skip the U20s and move into England’s U21s squad.
