• Premier League

Januzaj keen on England - report

ESPN staff
October 17, 2013
Adnan Januzaj has been at the centre of a tug-of-war for his services at international level © PA Photos
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Manchester United midfielder Adnan Januzaj will pledge his international future to England if the FA can overcome FIFA's five-year residency rule, according to reports in the Daily Mail.

Januzaj joined United when he was 16-years-old and has been at Old Trafford for two years, meaning he would need to serve another three years before he could be considered for a spot in the England side.

FIFA rulings state a player must first serve five years in their adopted country before being eligible to represent the national side.

However, according to reports in the paper, the FA has been given indication that the youngster would prefer the chance to play for England.

Meanwhile, the father of Januzaj has reacted angrily to comments made by Belgium coach Marc Wilmots that there "was no haggling" to play for his squad.

Januzaj has been at the centre of a tug-of-war for his services at international level with the 18-year-old interesting Belgium, Albania, Serbia, Turkey, Croatia and England.

However, Wilmots, the coach of Januzaj's country of birth, refused to 'negotiate' with spots in his squad now bound for the World Cup.

"It is impossible to negotiate with me," Wilmots told Belgian broadcaster RTBF. "The boy was born in Belgium, should he say that he wants to play for Belgium - from there, there is no haggling. I'm not going to play that game.

"The kid is available? He wants to play? Then perfect, okay, show me.

"If you're at the top level in Manchester or elsewhere, show me your skills and if I need you I will call. I make no promises, to Januzaj or any person!"

But Januzaj Sr believes Wilmots' comments may have turned his son from pledging his allegiance to the emerging European power.

"This is shameless," he is quoted by a number of Belgian media outlets. "We never reacted on selections, phone calls or letters from the Belgian FA.

"They are requesting his selection, not us. Wilmots' remarks won't make it easier now. We are angry about these comments."

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