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According to reports in The Sun, Bolton Wanderers starlet Luca Connell is on the radar of the England international setup, with the English FA keen on him switching international allegiances from the Republic of Ireland to them.
The report states:
“LUCA CONNELL is the latest Irish youngster in England’s sights following Declan Rice’s switch.
Connell, 17, is on the Three Lions radar after a stunning start to his senior career with Bolton in the Championship.
The Liverpool-born midfielder has played for Republic of Ireland Under-18s, where he was fielded at left-back, but can still switch countries.
He has been tracked by England development coaches BEFORE breaking into Bolton’s first team last month and making an instant impact.
Phil Parkinson started him in four straight games before picking up a calf injury last weekend, which will rule him out for two weeks.
Brighton are leading the chase for the youngster and Southampton had a bid rejected on transfer-deadline day.”
Earlier this week, West Ham United’s Declan Rice switched allegiances to England, having already played three games for the Republic of Ireland.
Connell has been capped at U17 & U18 level for Ireland and was part of the Irish side to play at the U17 European Championships last year.
Whilst Rice was criticised by some for his decision, it would be less controversial for Connell to switch now, should he be pursued for a call up to the England U18s.
It’s clear that Connell has a bright future in football & lets hope that Wanderers can get him signed onto a professional deal sooner rather than later.