Manchester United defender Ayden Heaven has made a statement of intent after it emerged that the Ghana FA have been 'monitoring his development' ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Heaven, who has represented England at under-18, under-19 and under-20 levels, is enjoying a breakthrough campaign at Manchester United following his £1 million move from Arsenal in February.

The 19-year-old has made five appearances in December alone, including a Player of the Match display in their 1-0 win over Newcastle on December 26.

“I'm really pleased with Ayden," said United head coach Ruben Amorim on Friday. "You can feel that he is improving every game. He trained really well and, if he continues to play like that, it is going to be really hard to take his place."

As a result of his performances, Heaven has attracted interest from Ghana as they prepare to take part in next summer's World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

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Heaven impressed with his defensive display against Newcastle. Image credit: Getty

The London-born defender, who is eligible to represent Ghana through a grandparent, is being monitored by the Ghana FA.

But despite their interest, the centre-back will not switch allegiance to play in next summer's World Cup, according to BBC Sport, who claim Heaven wants to represent England at senior level.

Three-cap England international could play for Ghana at 2026 World Cup

After becoming the first European nation to win eight qualifying games without conceding a single goal, England recently discovered their group stage opponents for next summer's historic 48-team tournament.

The Three Lions will come up against Croatia, Panama and Ghana in Group L.

Croatia, who beat England in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, were the highest-ranked team from pot two, while Panama sit 30th in the FIFA rankings after making the quarter-finals at recent Copa America and Gold Cup tournaments.

Ghana, meanwhile, are one of the lowest-ranked teams to have already qualified for next summer's tournament but they could provide a stern test for Tuchel's men, with Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo in their ranks.

As well as Kudus and Semenyo, head coach Otto Addo could have another Premier League player at his disposal next summer.

It has emerged that Nottingham Forest winger Callum Hudson-Odoi is 'seriously considering' switching his international allegiance to Ghana ahead of the 2026 World Cup, according to The Sun.

Hudson-Odoi is considering a switch to Ghana, according to reports. Image credit: Getty

The 25-year-old, who has Ghanaian parents, represented England at youth level and went on to earn three caps for the Three Lions in 2019.

Back in 2022, Hudson-Odoi reportedly snubbed Ghana's advances ahead of the World Cup as he hoped to play for England again, but it seems he is now determined to play for the Black Stars.

In fact, the former Chelsea winger is 'working behind the scenes' to ensure he can get the necessary paperwork in place to represent the country next summer.

"At 25, Hudson-Odoi believes now is the right time to play international football and feels his future lies with Ghana, rather than continuing to wait for another England call-up," the report adds.

For those unaware, a player can switch nationality provided they have played no more than three competitive matches at senior level prior to turning 21. Hudson Odoi was still a teenager when he represented England.