Jamaica make play for Sterling as England risk losing Liverpool starlet
By Sami Mokbel
PUBLISHED: 22:30 GMT, 30 October 2012 | UPDATED: 22:30 GMT, 30 October 2012
England are facing a fresh fight to secure the international future of hot prospect Raheem Sterling.
Jamaica president Horace Burrell will fly in to the country this week in a bid to snatch the Liverpool youngster from under the Football Association's noses.
And Sportsmail understands the youngster is keen on holding talks with Burrell and is open to the idea of representing the country of his birth.
Tug of war: Raheem Sterling (right) is wanted by England and Jamaica
The FA appeared to have beaten the Reggae Boys to Sterling after calling the teenager up to the full England squad for the World Cup qualifier against Ukraine before being named in Stuart Pearce's previous Under 21 squad.
But England will now be sweating on how this week's discussions between Sterling and Burrell pan out, with the Liverpool starlet happy to give Burrell the chance to make his pitch.
Sterling's mother is known to want her son to represent Jamaica - where the 17-year-old lived until the age of five.
Hopes: Roy Hodgson (right) wants Sterling to represent England
England manager Roy Hodgson could look to appease Sterling's international ambition by naming the youngster in his squad for the friendly against Sweden next month.
Burrell said: 'Based on the FIFA rules Raheem is still eligible for us. We think it is worthwhile to speak.'
Sterling will only be fully committed to a nation when he plays a competitive fixture.
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