Football

England keeping tabs on Giovanni Reyna in four-way scrap for teenager's services


England are monitoring Borussia Dortmund sensation Giovanni Reyna after discovering he is eligible to represent them at international level.

The 17-year-old has burst on the scene in Germany, appearing in eight consecutive matches for the Bundesliga side since making his debut in January.

Reyna was born in Durham, England, in 2002, during his father Claudio’s spell playing for Sunderland.

Claudio Reyna also played for Rangers and Man City over an eight-year stay on British shores.

He earned over 100 caps for United States, whom are just one of three other nations competing with England for his son’s declaration.

As reported by the Athletic, Giovanni could also play for either Portugal or Argentina, due to his grandparents.

Borussia Dortmund talent Giovanni Reyna is eligible to play for England
Borussia Dortmund talent Giovanni Reyna is eligible to play for England

He has already turned out for USA in their youth ranks – including scoring a winner against England two years ago – suggesting he is prepared to follow his father’s footsteps at senior level.

But interest from England could well turn Reyna’s head, given he grew up in the country for the first five years of his life, before moving back to the States.

The English FA are already said to have made steps towards recruiting the youngster.

The youngster has been ever-present for Dortmund since his debut last month
The youngster has been ever-present for Dortmund since his debut last month

He is being tracked by the Player Insights team at St George’s Park, who have identified Reyna among a pool of around 1,000 players who could possibly feature for the England team.

Following his emergence at Dortmund, Reyna has now been added to a priority list of approximately 25 stars who are now under closer scrutiny by the FA.

This involves intense analysis of his performances, including him being watched in the flesh by scouts on no fewer than 15 occasions, as well as on video.

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The operation is an intense programme aimed at sourcing the best talent available for England, involving more than 60 ‘talent reporters’.

England have had some success in recent years in persuading top talent to choose them over rival nations.

The most notable of those is West Ham’s Declan Rice, who snubbed Republic of Ireland despite making three appearances for the senior side.





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