Premier League forward faces awkward situation after getting called up by England and Portugal for upcoming U18 matches - Reports
Premier League youngster Mateus Mane is facing an awkward situation after receiving invitations to play for England and Portugal in their U-18 games this month. The Wolverhampton Wanderers academy star is regarded as a top prospect and holds dual English and Portuguese citizenship.
Born in Portugal, Mane grew up in England, where he played non-league football for Rochdale before joining Wolves this year. The 17-year-old received invitations to play for both England and Portugal U-18s within hours of each other.
Mateus Mane represents Wolves in the U-18 Premier League, where he has started the season with two goals and two assists in three games. The young forward began his international career as a Portugal player, representing his country at U-17 level.
Mane switched his allegiance to the Young Lions this year, appearing for the U-18 side in their 2-2 draw against Portugal U-18s last month. He featured in two more friendlies in September before receiving an invitation to team up with Portugal this month.
Liam Bramley's side are set to face Sweden in the semi-final of a four-team U-18 tournament at Marbella on October 12. Barely 24 hours before this, Portugal's U-18s will also take to the pitch in a tournament of their own.
In Europe, U-18 national teams are not recognized by UEFA as official age-grade teams. This would normally allow Mateus Mane to play for both countries but the logistics involved will likely make it impossible for the youngster to.
England-eligible youngster completes switch to Premier League giants
England-eligible striker Chido Obi-Martin has completed his long-awaited transfer from Arsenal to Manchester United and has been unveiled by his new club.
The 16-year-old decided to swap London for Manchester after being convinced by the Red Devils. His deal has been completed after the Premier League conducted all of its checks before ratifying the transfer.
Denmark U-17 international Obi-Martin is regarded as the best player in his age group in English football following his exploits with Arsenal. The youngster broke the club's U-18 scoring record, finding the net an incredible 29 times in 18 U-18 Premier League games.
Chido Obi-Martin turned down professional terms at Arsenal before choosing to move to Old Trafford. He turned down approaches from Bayern Munich and Newcastle United, as well, preferring to sign with the Red Devils.
A former Young Lion, Obi-Martin featured for Denmark's U-17 team most recently but remains an option for England. The teenager is also eligible to play for Nigeria, the country of his father.