Fresh from his “positive” talks with Declan Rice, Ireland manager, Mick McCarthy, has turned his attention to the pursuit of Southampton striker, Nathan Redmond, according to the Irish Independent.

The Birmingham native has represented England at both underage and senior level, making his debut for Gareth Southgate’s side in a friendly against Germany last year.

Because that senior cap came in a friendly game and not during a competitive one, Redmond is still eligible to switch his allegiance to the Republic of Ireland. According to the paper, the 24-year-old’s Irish connection is through his mother, Michelle Redmond.

Martin O’Neill reportedly tried to lure Redmond to the Irish jersey when he was just months into his tenure but Roy Hodgson managed to convince him to stick with the country of his birth.

The Irish Independent report that the player is close to Mick McCarthy’s former teammate, Chris Hughton, who managed Redmond at his first club, Birmingham City, and then brought him to Norwich City and Hughton could be a key asset in convincing him to make the switch.

Redmond has made 21 appearances this season for Southampton, and scored his first goal of the season in Saturday’s win over Huddersfield Town.

He set up Republic of Ireland striker, Michael Obafemi, for his first goal at senior level for the Saints during that win.

He would only be eligible for Ireland’s Euro 2020 qualification double-header against Gibraltar and Georgia in May if he were to submit a transfer request to FIFA within the next two weeks.

Read More About: mick mccarthy, nathan redmond, southampton, Top Story