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Jack Grealish is still wanted by England U21s, boss Gareth Southgate has confirmed.

The Aston Villa winger who can play for either the Republic of Ireland or the Three Lions has yet to decide on his long-term international future.

This week he will represent the Irish U21s but Southgate has not yet given up hope of persuading the 19-year-old to switch nations.

He said: “Jack is somebody we have spoken to over the years, him and his family. He has been in our younger development teams. The family and Jack are aware of our interest.

“Up to this point they have preferred to remain with Ireland.

“These things are quite fluid at younger ages, it happened with Michael Keane and his brother and Jonathan Bond came from Wales.

“Lots of other home nations are running development camps at a young age so players develop an allegiance quite young.

“You are allowed to switch once you are a young player and Jack is someone we are monitoring and we’ll keep our eye on that situation.”

Grealish is stuck in a battle between England and Ireland and is taking his time before committing either way.

The Solihull-born star has represented Ireland’s under-17, 18 and 21 sides thanks to his Galway-native grandparents and Martin O’Neill, manager of the senior team, wants him in his squad.

Southgate confirmed that the FA are still speaking with Grealish and his family, though.

“People from our organisation have kept in contact,” he added.

“We have been monitoring him but in the end it’s up to the player,

“He’s going to make his decision on where he wants to go. More and more, because of the nature of society, there are players in our system who are duel nationality and have that choice to make.”