Southgate trying to convince Nigeria-eligible winger Olise to choose England over France

According to the Daily Mail UK, Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate is trying to convince Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise to pledge his international future at senior level to his country of birth, England.

The former Chelsea schoolboy qualifies to represent France and Algeria through his mother, Nigeria through his father and England through citizenship.

Allnigeriasoccer.com reported more than a year ago that Olise's number one priority was to represent world champions France at international level amid serious interest from the Nigeria Football Federation and the latest report from the Daily Mail has confirmed as much with the English newspaper stating that he is leaning towards staying with France, whom he played for at U18 level.

The English Football Association have held preliminary talks with Olise but he is not in a rush to decide his international future, that is switching from France to England, Nigeria or Algeria.

The Nigeria Football Federation have convinced players who were eligible for England such as Ola Aina, Victor Moses, Josh Maja, Joe Aribo and Alex Iwobi to play for the Super Eagles.

Olise is having a banner season at Crystal Palace, scoring two goals and setting up his teammates on five occasions in 21 Premier League outings despite his limited game time. 

The 20-year-old has been linked with possible moves to Chelsea, Arsenal and Lille in the summer.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel