Jack Wilshere could be handed first senior managerial role at 31 as club make 'formal approach' to Arsenal

Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has held talks with MLS franchise Columbus Crew over becoming their new manager, according to a new report.

Wilshere announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 30 last year, after a short spell with Danish Superliga side AGF.

and was subsequently appointed as Arsenal's U18 head coach.

He had a successful first season in charge, guiding his young Gunners side to a first FA Youth Cup final appearance in five years. They lost 5-1 to West Ham in the showpiece event.

Now, The Athletic's David Ornstein has reported that Columbus are considering Wilshere as an option to become their new manager.

The MLS club, who play in the Eastern Conference, are currently on the lookout for a replacement for Robin Fraser, who they sacked in September.

Ornstein adds that the franchise made a formal approach to the Gunners to speak with the former England midfielder, and it is claimed that Wilshere impressed during his interview.

The report also says that Wilshere is keen to move into senior management when the correct opportunity arises, with the Colombus role to be his first senior job if he is appointed.

Speaking ahead of the FA Youth Cup semi-final against Manchester City earlier this year, Wilshere - who spent a total of 17 years at Arsenal at academy and senior levels - said that coaching had given him his 'deep love' for football back.

He explained: "I love it, honestly. It's given me back the real deep love for football, and I didn't know I'd lost it to be honest.

"I came back last year and I was coaching a bit, training a bit. Then I had a decision to make. Do I want to go to Denmark? I loved the country, the people, but I didn't love it as much.

"I love it. On the grass, trying to beat teams, trying to work out a way to play against teams, trying to develop an individual.

"Obviously, it was a different world I was entering. The corporate stuff, all the emails. But now I'm in a place where I've worked that out and I've structured my day better - the coaching stuff I absolutely love."