Gareth Southgate hints at shock position change for Kobbie Mainoo as he gives verdict on Man Utd star’s England chances

GARETH SOUTHGATE hinted at calling up Kobbie Mainoo to his England squad as he lavished praise on the Manchester United youngster.

The wonderkid has impressed since breaking into the first-team at Old Trafford.

Gareth Southgate has been impressed by Kobbie MainooPA

The Manchester United midfielder could be called up to the England squad soonPA

Mainoo, 18, has barely missed a game since making his first appearance of the season against Everton in November.

The defensive midfielder has added goals to his game in recent weeks and caught the eye of Southgate, who thinks he could be suited to playing further forward.

Southgate said: “He’s doing brilliantly. I’m not certain he’s necessarily going to be a defensive midfielder, as such.

“He’s quite a progressive player but he’s had a fabulous start to his career and it will be good to monitor him as we go forward.”

Southgate may have to act quickly to snap up Mainoo as he is being monitored by the other country he is eligible to play for – Ghana.

Randy Abbey, a member of the executive council of the Ghana FA, told The Times: “The Ghana Football Association is interested in monitoring, attracting, and persuading all eligible talents for its various national teams.

“Kobbie is definitely one of these incredible talents and the association would love to work with him and many like him at home and abroad.”

While Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham are shoo-ins for Southgate’s midfield, the number eight role remains up for grabs.

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Jordan Henderson, Conor Gallagher and Kalvin Phillips are all options for Southgate, but Mainoo could make a late bid to fill the role.

He has impressed for United who are preparing a new long-term contract for Mainoo, as they view the midfielder as a key part of their project.