Jack Wilshere granted permission by Arsenal to hold talks over shock first manager’s job aged 31

JACK WILSHERE has been given permission to speak to the Colorado Rapids about becoming their manager.

The 31-year-old could be set to land his first managerial job after retiring last summer.

GettyJack Wilshere has been given permission to speak to the Colorado Rapids[/caption]

According to The Athletic, Arsenal have granted Wilshere permission to speak to the MLS side.

Wilshere is understood to have impressed in an interview with the Rapids but a decision on whether to appoint him has yet to be made.

The former England midfielder is keen on a senior management role if the right opportunity arises, the report adds.

Robin Fraser was sacked by the Rapids, who like Arsenal are also owned by the Kroenke Sports & Entertainment Group, in September.

Chris Little has been in charge on an interim basis since Fraser’s exit.

Wilshere returned to Arsenal in July last year after announcing his retirement aged 30.

He has since been managing the club’s under-18s side and guided the Gunners to last season’s FA Youth Cup final.

As a player, Wilshere progressed through Arsenal’s academy before making his senior debut aged 16 in 2008.

By the time his 17-year association with the club ended in 2018, he had made 197 appearances, scoring 14 goals and winning the FA Cup twice.

Wilshere later had spells with West Ham, Bournemouth and Danish side Aarhus before hanging up his boots.

He also won 34 caps for England as a player, scoring two goals.

GettyWilshere has been in charge of Arsenal’s under-18s since retiring last summer[/caption]