DR Congo Plan Aaron Wan-Bissaka Swoop

DR Congo are going to make a dramatic bid to Crystal Palace youngster Aaron Wan-Bissaka into representing them in 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 21-year-old defender currently plays for England at youth level but is Congolese by birth.

He can switch nationalities because FIFA allows a player to play for one team at youth level and another at senior level as long as he makes the change before the age of 21.

Now the Leopards aim to convince the youngster to play for them at the next month’s Nations Cup in Egypt where they are grouped alongside Egypt, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

“We have decided to contact Wan- Bissaka to ask him to decide whether he would like to play for DR Congo or England,” Leopards coach Florent Ibenge told Top Congo FM.

“In the coming days, he will be contacted by the football association.”

The DR Congo Football Association is planning their raid despite the fact that Wan- Bissaka is reportedly unwilling to play for another country except for England.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Crystal Palace star told Evening Standard that he would turn down a proposal from Congo if they asked him to play at the Africa Cup of Nations.

“It depends on him. I sent my scout to watch him four months ago and he sent me a report. He played very well,” Ibenge explained.

Previously, Ibenge attempted to speak with Wan-Bissaka but he didn’t answer prompting the gaffer to now officially use recommended channels on his approach.

Wan-Bissaka, 21, was born in London and grew up in Croydon, near to Selhurst Park, but is of Congolese descent.

He made one appearance for DR Congo’s Under-20 side – ironically in an 8-0 defeat to England U17s – in 2015.

Should Wan-Bissaka choose to play for DR Congo at senior level, FIFA rules state that he would not be allowed to turn out for England ever again.