England manager Gareth Southgate is reportedly keen to convince Tom Cairney to switch his international allegiance from Scotland to England.
The Scottish Sun report that Cairney is eligible for both countries due to having an English mother and Scottish father.
Cairney has featured twice for Scotland, against Canada and Costa Rica, but would still be able to change nationality as they were only friendly fixtures.
The interest in Cairney means Scotland boss Alex McLeish is almost certain to pick the 27-year-old for next month’s Nations League fixture with Isreal, therefore ruling out an England switch should he feature.
As we reported earlier in the week, Cairney has missed the Cottagers’ last two matches through injury but could return for the Whites’ clash with Watford this weekend.
His attacking flair would be beneficial to whichever country he chooses, although bosses at the Scottish FA are becoming frustrated with the player’s tendency to withdraw from squads due to injury.
Cairney is the latest player Southgate has been trying to convert to the Three Lions, having reportedly been in contact with West Ham United and Republic of Ireland star Declan Rice.
