England and Nigeria poised to battle for the services of Man City youngster Tosin Adarabioyo

MANCHESTER City youngster Tosin Adarabioyo has become the latest footballer to be caught up in the battle between his countries of origin and birth as Nigeria and England both battle for his services.

Adarabioyo, 20, is a highly-rated central defender who has been tipped for senior international honours, having represented England all the way up to Under-19 level. However, he is now being targeted by Nigeria, his country of origin after it emerged that Super Eagles handler Gernot Rohr, was planning to watch him before deciding whether to tempt him with a place in his World Cup squad.

During the final two days of the January transfer window, Adarabioyo was made available for loan by City following the arrival of Aymeric Laporte. However, a deal failed to materialise and the youngster has returned to the Manchester City squad.

He was named on the bench by manager Pep Guardiola, for City’s 3-0 win over West Brom on Wednesday night. Over recent years, Nigeria has successfully persuaded the likes of Victor Moses and Alex Iwobi, who have both played for England at junior level, to change their international allegiance to the Super Eagles.