 |
| Jordon Ibe is a man in demand on the international stage |
Nigeria have held talks with Liverpool starlet Jordon Ibe in an attempt to persuade him to ditch England and pledge his allegiance to the Super Eagles.
The Football Association will now redouble their efforts to keep hold of the talented Ibe, who has already represented England at Under-18, U19 and U20s level and has attracted attention from senior coach Roy Hodgson.
Nigeria head coach Sunday Oliseh led a high-powered delegation at Melwood yesterday for discussions with the 19-year-old on his international future.
The winger grew up in Bermondsey, London, but his parents hail from Nigeria and the personal visit from Oliseh underlined how the African country hopes Ibe will follow the likes of Victor Moses and Victor Anichebe in playing for them.
Ibe would be a major loss to England, however, and can expect to be promoted into Gareth Southgates U21s set-up this season.
He will not be bound to England until his plays in a competitive game for them but the FA are keen to keep him within their set up and Southgate and FA Technical Director, Dan Ashworth, are now likely to get in touch and counter Nigeria's overtures.
The pathway from England's development teams into the senior side has been clear in recent years and the FA, who are still awaiting a decision from Aston Villa's Jack Grealish on whether he plays for them or the Republic of Ireland, believe Ibe can make progress.
Liverpools £29million summer recruit Roberto Firmino is likely to miss out on a starting role at The Britannia as he continues to work on his fitness.
Post a Comment Blogger Facebook Disqus