LaLiga Defender wants to play at World Cup

Julen Lopetegui has long had his eye on Lucas Hernandez's development with a view to calling him up to the Spanish national team, and the Atletico Madrid defender has now committed to La Roja due to his desire to play at the 2018 World Cup.

Despite currently having a French passport, Lucas has opted to play for Spain and he is well within the time period which will allow him to represent the team in Russia.

MARCA can exclusively reveal that the defender has accepted Spain's offer and the wheels are already in motion to secure his nationalisation.

The 21-year-old was expecting a similar call from Didier Deschamps, yet no such communication came and he has been left with little choice with regards to playing in the summer showpiece.

At this point, the position of centre-half is one of significant depth for the former Porto coach, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique and Nacho Fernandez are the first choices whilst Marc Bartra waits in the wings.

Lopetegui wants one more defender he can rely on and his choice has been made, both of the Hernandez brothers now seem likely to represent Spain.

What is interesting is that despite both brothers having represented France at underage levels, the pair have seen their footballing development take place in the Spanish capital and feel more connected with the nation as a result.

The reaction of Deschamps will now be interesting; this could force him into action ahead of a tournament in which he is in charge of one of the favourites.

This is not an isolated incident, Diego Costa's decision to represent the European nation ahead of his native Brazil in 2014, this was met with much diplomatic opposition and it's thought the same will be the case for Lucas Hernandez should France make a request of their own.