KOBBIE MAINOO is keeping his international options open amid interest from both England and Ghana, reports say.
Mainoo, who is just 18, is becoming a regular in Manchester United’s midfield this season with 14 first team appearances and two goals to his name.
His form is beginning to catch the attention of Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate, who watched Mainoo in action in United’s 2-1 win over Aston Villa.
The starlet has represented England at Under-16, U18 and U19 level but is yet to be capped for the senior squad.
And he is also eligible to play for Ghana through his parents.
According to the Daily Mail, Mainoo is in no rush to make a decision on his international career and has the door open to all options.
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Randy Abbey of the Ghana FA recently revealed ambitions of persuading Mainoo to switch his allegiance to the Black Stars.
But Mainoo is expected to wait until he is confident of breaking into the senior England squad on a regular basis.
The FA are said to be confident of retaining the 18-year-old’s services, but have not been given any guarantees.
A player can change their nationality at any time if they have only featured in friendlies under Fifa eligibility rules.
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And stars under 21 can also switch after three years if they have played fewer than three competitive matches.
England have friendlies against Brazil and Belgium to come next month in preparation for Euro 2024 in Germany which starts on June 14.
Warm-up matches before the tournament will also follow against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland in June.
Mainoo, 18, netted a stunning 97th minute to seal a 4-3 win at Molineux, just moments after Wolves had fought from two goals down to level the score.
The England U19 star is now being tipped for a bright future at the Theatre of Dreams.
And he has already been rewarded with a major pay day.
SunSport exclusively revealed in December that Mainoo will see his wages rocket to £20,000-a-week once his appearances reach double figures.
Rio Ferdinand compared Mainoo to Dutch legend Clarence Seedorf.
He said: “I’m not saying he’s of the same ability or that he’s that player yet, but he gives me Seedorf vibes.
“The way he manoeuvres in tight situations and the way he manipulates this ball and uses his body at times.
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“He shifts it, pops it through legs, beautiful. He’s elusive at times as well and the control and the awareness to pick his spot.
“Some players see the headlines there and think ‘I’m going to go for it’, but he just caresses it.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
