Nigeria have made a personal appeal to Jordon Ibe to switch international allegiance from England after their head coach, Sunday Oliseh, visited the Liverpool winger at Melwood on Wednesday.
Ibe has represented England at under-18, 19 and 20 level and the Football Association hopes the talented 19-year-old will graduate to full international honours, with Brendan Rodgers looking for the winger to secure a regular first-team role at Liverpool this season.
The Bermondsey-born player, however, qualifies to play for Nigeria through his father and the country’s football federation has made no secret of its desire to convince Ibe to commit to the Super Eagles. Their new head coach, the former team captain Oliseh, underlined that determination by meeting Ibe in person at Liverpool’s training ground. Whether the visit to Merseyside pays dividends remains to be seen.
Ibe is focusing on following up an impressive pre-season for Liverpool by clinching a place in the lineup for Sunday’s Premier League opener at Stoke City and FA officials have considered fast-tracking the youngster into Roy Hodgson’s senior ranks to ward off Nigeria’s interest.
Fiorentina have inquired about a deal for the out-of-favour Liverpool striker Fabio Borini. Anfield officials have held discussions with their Italian counterparts but it is doubtful a deal will be struck. Fiorentina have talked of a loan, whereas Liverpool want a permanent deal and it is uncertain Borini would accept the wages on offer if a fee were agreed.
