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.

Kobbie Mainoo is in line for his first England Under-21s call-up

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

England manager Gareth Southgate is taking notice of his impressive run of form and sees the young player as part of his long-term plans for the Three Lions.

In three separate age divisions, Mainoo has represented England: Under-17, Under-18, and Under-19.

Mainoo is the captain at U19 England

Ghana has been attempting to convince him to change his international allegiance, though.

Mainoo is qualified to represent Ghana because both of his parents were born there.

After learning of the interest, the FA wants him to be included in Lee Carsley’s England U-21 squad for their match against Azerbaijan and Luxembourg in the European Qualifiers next month.

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.

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.”