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Birmingham City, Norwich City, and Southampton have all enquired about a potential loan move for Manchester United's Godwill Kukonki

Birmingham City, Norwich City, and Southampton have launched enquiries for Manchester United youngster Godwill Kukonki, with the 18-year-old looking likely to leave the Red Devils for some more game time before the end of the window.

According to Manchester Evening News' Steven Railston, the Championship trio of Birmingham, Norwich, and Southampton have been in contact with Man United over a potential loan swoop for Kukonki.

The 18-year-old defender has yet to make a senior appearance for the Red Devils, but has attracted interest from numerous second-tier clubs for his performances at youth level.

Birmingham City, Norwich City, and Southampton launch loan enquiries for Manchester United youngster Godwill Kukonki

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Kukonki, despite his lack of first-team experience, has caught the eye of the likes of Birmingham, Norwich, and Southampton.

The Stoke-born defender, who is capable of playing as either a left-back or centre-back, has entered the third year of his scholarship agreement with the Red Devils, and could be tied down to a professional deal soon, which had initially been agreed last year.

He would need to sign a pro deal with United to sanction any loan move elsewhere, as there is growing expectation that will happen in the coming days and weeks.

The 6ft 5in defender was named in two Premier League matchday squads last season against Newcastle United and Leeds United, but failed to make an appearance, as numerous Premier League sides are reportedly monitoring his situation closely.

Why are Birmingham City, Norwich City, and Southampton all interested in Godwill Kukonki?

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Kukonki has been a regular fixture in United's youth team for the past few years, as well as representing England at youth level, whilst also being able to represent the Democratic Republic of the Congo through his parents.

The 18-year-old has been compared to Manchester City's Josko Gvardiol previously due to their similar style of play, and should be able to follow a similar trajectory to the Croatian; he wouldn't have done too badly for himself.

Birmingham are hoping to be one of the beneficiaries of a potential loan, adding Kukonki to the likes of Phil Neumann, Christoph Klarer, Jack Robinson, and Dael Fry at the back, especially after the departure of Jonathan Panzo.

Norwich are still looking to plug a few gaps under Philippe Clement, and whilst their loan for Harry Amass didn't go as planned, they will be hoping to add the England youth interantional to their ranks already containing the likes of Jose Cordoba, Ruari McConville, Jakov Medic, Harry Darling, and Bruno Alves.

With Lucien Mahovo out for the foreseeable, an alternative to Darlin Yongwa and Ben Chrisene could be pursued, with Kukonki a potential option.

Southampton face a battle to keep hold of Taylor Harwood-Bellis amid interest from Benfica, whilst Joshua Quarshie's future remains unclear, leaving Nathan Wood and Jack Stephens as the only other options in that area, as Tonda Eckert looks for a cheap and exciting alternative in the form of Kukonki.

Godwill Kukonki will hope to follow the paths of Harry Amass and Radek Vitek amid Championship speculation

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Man United's academy is one of the most revered in the entire world, having produced the likes of Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, and David Beckham previously, and the likes of Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo, and Scott McTominay more recently.

Kukonki will hope to follow in the footsteps of those greats that have plied their trade in the youth setup at Carrington, and having seen both Harry Amass and Radek Vitek thrive on loan in the second tier last season, will be looking to follow suit this year.

The teenager remains an unknown quantity, but Birmingham, Norwich, and Southampton are hoping to provide him with the platform to shine in the Championship.