England are considering an attempt to snatch Liverpool youngster Neco Williams out of the hands of Wales.
Williams has been a breakthrough star from the Reds' Academy this season and was the stellar performer in the FA Cup fourth round replay win over Shrewsbury Town on Tuesday.
The 18-year-old right-back has started all three of Liverpool's games in the FA Cup this season as well as the Carbao Cup fourth round tie against Arsenal.
And that has been sufficient for the teenager to catch the eye of England, with under-20s boss Paul Simpson at Anfield on Tuesday.
Williams, who was born in Wrexham and has represented Wales at under-19 level, would be eligible to play for England as he has English grandparents.
England's interest could force the hand of Wales boss Ryan Giggs, who may now choose to call up the defender for next month's friendlies against Austria and the United States.
Indeed, the form of the youngster has led to calls for him to be considered for the Wales squad at this summer's Euro 2020 finals.
Williams scored for a Reds' under-21 team in the EFL Trophy defeat at Oldham Athletic in August and also netted in the 1-1 draw at Fleetwood Town in the same competition the following month, before converting his penalty in the subsequent 4-3 shoot-out defeat.
It was enough to earn a move to train at Melwood where he impressed Jurgen Klopp sufficiently to be handed a starting role in the Carabao Cup tie at home to Arsenal in October, where his cross provided the late equaliser for Divock Origi.
Williams also provided an assist in each cup tie against Shrewsbury, when on both occasions his cross was put into their own net by an opposing defender.
