Spain have jumped ahead of Nigeria and England in the chase for Manchester United youth goalkeeper Darlington Osuchukwu – www.isagoal.com reports.
According to allnigeriasoccer.com, the Royal Spanish Football Federation offered the teenager his first call-up to the U17 squad.
Osuchukwu, who was born in Murcia, qualifies for Spain by birth, Nigeria through his parents, and England by residency.
The talented shot-stopper previously trained with England’s Young Lions at U15 and U16 level.
That seemed to put England in the lead until Spain acted with a decisive invitation this month.
The youngster’s chance came after brilliant displays for Manchester United U16s during their summer tour of Hong Kong.
His penalty shootout performances during the trip drew attention from scouts across Europe.
Spain’s U17 side will gather in Alfaz del Pí from August 25 to 28 as they prepare for European Championship qualifiers.
If Osuchukwu features against Andorra, Latvia, or Denmark in October, he will become provisionally tied to Spain.
FIFA regulations would then require him to apply for a nationality switch should he later choose Nigeria or England.
Osuchukwu started football in Spain with Gazte Berriak and Osasuna before relocating to England with his family three years ago.