Newcastle winger Harvey Barnes is understood to be considering swapping his international allegiance to Scotland.
Barnes is eligible to represent Scotland through his maternal grandparents and previously turned down approaches in favour of representing England.
The 25-year-old has won one senior cap for the Three Lions, but remains able to change his international allegiance having not featured for England in a competitive fixture.
Barnes has struggled to break into Gareth Southgate’s plans since earning that maiden appearance in 2020, while England boast a wealth of talent competing for a place on the left-wing including Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling, James Maddison and Eberechi Eze.
Barnes was not included in Southgate’s provisional squad of 55 players for the 2022 World Cup and the Telegraph are reporting that the winger is now contemplating an international switch.
Scotland are closing in on a place at Euro 2024 after five consecutive wins in qualification and will be guaranteed a place at the tournament if Norway draw with Georgia on Tuesday.
Barnes’ club teammate Elliot Anderson recently pledged his future to Scotland, while Angus Gunn has cemented a place as Scotland’s first-choice goalkeeper having represented England up to u21 level.
The availability of Barnes would be a major boost for a Scotland side improving under Steve Clarke, with the winger having scored 13 goals in the Premier League for Leicester last season, before a £38m summer switch to St James’ Park.
