Gareth Southgate has tried to persuade Wilfried Zaha to backtrack on his decision to switch to the Ivory Coast. The Crystal Palace forward has two England caps, having played against Sweden in November 2012 and Scotland the following year.

Both matches were friendlies –and with England opportunities scant – the Ivory Coast announced late last month that Zaha had committed his international future to his country of birth.

The 24-year-old was born in the west African nation and posed with their shirt just days before Southgate was confirmed as the England manager. The former defender coached Zaha at under-21 level and said he hoped the Palace winger would remain an option for England.

It is understood the pair have met to discuss his international future, with Southgate making it clear he would like Zaha to remain eligible for England.

Although unable to make guarantees about a place in the squad – and keen not to put undue pressure on the player – the recently appointed manager highlighted to Zaha how closely he had been monitored.

Zaha, linked again with Tottenham, has been one of few bright points in a disappointing season at Selhurst Park, leading to Alan Pardew’s exit last week.

Zaha played against Watford at Vicarage Road on Boxing Day but could soon be off on international duty if he sticks with his international switch.

Ivory Coast kick off the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon against Togo on 16 January, before facing the Democratic Republic of Congo and Morocco in the group stage.