Gareth Southgate takes first step towards tying down Man Utd wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo to England amid Ghana fear

MANCHESTER UNITED midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is set to be handed his first England Under-21s call-up next month.

The 18-year-old burst onto the scene last year, making his full Premier League debut in a 3-0 win over Everton in November.

Alamy

Kobbie Mainoo is in line for his first England Under-21s call-up[/caption]

Mainoo has since established himself as an important first team player having made 14 senior appearances.

His impressive run of form has caught the attention of England boss Gareth Southgate, who sees the youngster in his long-term plans for the Three Lions.

Mainoo has represented England in three different age groups – Under-17s, Under-18s and Under-19s.

However, Ghana have been trying to persuade him to switch international allegiance.

Mainoo is eligible to represent Ghana as it is the homeland of his parents.

The FA have been made aware of the interest and officials now want him to be selected for Lee Carsley’s England U-21s squad ahead of next month’s European Qualifiers against against Azerbaijan and Luxembourg.

According to the Daily Mail, Carsley has been paying close attention to the midfielder’s progress in recent weeks.

Southgate has also been monitoring him.

HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL

Discussing the teenager earlier this month, the England boss 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.”