Aaron Wan-Bissaka could be converted to a centre-back by Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, according to The Sun on Sunday.
The Croydon-born right-back has been excellent for United, with many considering him to be unlucky to miss out on the England squad for the European Championships.
It is claimed that Solskjaer wants to have a look at Wan-Bissaka in a central role during pre-season with a view to possibly deploying there in the future.
It would certainly be an interesting move for a player whose defensive qualities are obvious, but whose relative lack of ability going forward has cost him at international level.
The newspapers also reports that former England and Liverpool star John Barnes believes Gareth Southgate was wrong to leave him out.
The England boss has a wealth of other options at right-back and instead included Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has since withdrawn because of injury, Reece James, Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker.
Barnes said: “Look at Aaron Wan-Bissaka – he is our best right-back by far in this country.
“But because he is not as good on the ball as the others, he got unfairly overlooked.
“So when we come up against a team like France, that is when you don’t need a marauding player who will be more comfortable whipping in crosses and free-kicks in attacking areas.
“Everyone is clamouring for attacking right backs or number tens, but do not pay enough respect to players who are out and out defenders or defensive midfielders.
“It doesn’t matter if Southgate plays four or five at the back, if you don’t have players who can defend properly, it is immaterial.”