Manchester United defender Godwill Kukonki is back in training and is not set to leave the club on a permanent transfer in the summer window. The 18-year-old had considered his future away from United in search of first-team opportunities, but the Manchester Evening News understands he will remain a United player beyond the summer window after talks.
Contract situation
The defender has entered the third year of his scholarship agreement, and United have hoped to tie Kukonki down to a professional contract, which was initially agreed last year. The professional deal was not signed, but Kukonki could now sign pro terms to commit his future to the club. If that happens before the summer transfer deadline, it's understood that a loan could be on the cards for the defender for the season.
Loan interest
Kukonki has received loan enquiries from Championship clubs, including Southampton, Norwich and Birmingham, as well as from clubs in Europe. His situation has also been closely monitored by Premier League sides.
Youth Cup heroics
The 18-year-old equalised for United's Under-18s in the FA Youth Cup final against Manchester City last season. He started every game in that Youth Cup campaign, but he also stepped up to play for the Under-21s.
Senior squad involvement
The Stoke-born defender was last named in a senior squad against Newcastle at St. James' Park in March. The only other matchday squad Kukonki had been included in last season was against Leeds at Elland Road in January. Kukonki was named in a first-team squad for the first time against Arsenal during Ruben Amorim's first month in charge. Amorim said the youngster had "impressed" him and his maturity was noticeable.
The 6ft 5in defender continued to be around the first team and made the squad for both legs against Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals. There have been comparisons made between the left-footed Kukonki and Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol. Kukonki has been played at left-back in the academy, but his long-term future is at centre-back. Kukonki has represented England's youth teams at various age levels.
