MARC GUEHI will be approached regarding a stunning switch of allegiances, according to Ivory Coast boss Patrice Beaumelle.
Ivory Coast-born Guehi made his England debut after starting in the 2-1 friendly victory over Switzerland on Saturday.
The Crystal Palace defender, 21, has now represented England from U16 level to the senior squad – but is yet to make a competitive appearance for the Three Lions.
Gareth Southgate’s men have Nations League clashes against Hungary and Germany in June.
And until then, Beaumelle is ready to step up his chase of Guehi, joining the likes of Wilfried Zaha to switch from England to Ivory Coast.
As England prepare to welcome Ivory Coast to Wembley on Tuesday night, Beaumelle said: “I have been following Marc for two years, since he was playing at Swansea.
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“I know he can still choose Ivory Coast so we are working on that. I tried to contact him several weeks ago.
"But when I saw him in the English lists I understood that at the moment he wants to try with the Three Lions.
“The choice has to come from the heart. He will make his own decision. He did well in his first cap for England.
“Maybe we will try for the orange jersey of Ivory Coast – you never know.
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"I will wait a few weeks and try to contact him to know if he is interested.”
Beaumelle has also had his say on Ivorian winger Nicolas Pepe, who has hinted he could depart Arsenal in the summer.
Asked if he is confused when he sees Pepe on the bench for Arsenal, Beaumelle said: “Of course. I have a fantastic relationship with Nico.
“When I got the job he was the first player I went to meet at Arsenal. For a player, when he feels like the coach gives confidence, maybe he can give more.
“But for me, when I watch Nico on the bench it is painful for him as he loves to play and it is painful for me because if I want my team to improve I need my players to enjoy playing.
“I always respect other managers. It isn’t my job to comment why he isn’t playing or how he is playing. I would like him to play more as I am sure he can bring a lot of solutions.
“When you see what he brings to Ivory Coast, I would like to see him bring so much fun and joy and happiness and goals with the red jersey.”
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