The tug-of-war between the Netherlands and Ghana over Timothy Fosu-Mensah has hit a new high as Danny Blind has called the Manchester United teenage defender to assure him of a place in the Dutch national team.
The move by the coach of the Dutch national team is calculated to prevent the teenage defender from playing for Ghana after the West Africans revealed their plans of capping the talented right-back.
This follows the confirmation by Steller Group, who look after Timothy Fosu-Mensah, that the Ghanaian national team are pursuing their client.
Insiders close to the player have told Ghanasoccernet.com that Blind called the youngster on Thursday night to assure him of a place in the Dutch national team in the coming days.
Playing the the Dutch senior national team for just one official match will forever prevent Ofosu-Mensah from playing for Ghana where his parents come from.
News of Ghana coach Avram Grant's interest in the defender sparked the Netherlands boss Danny Blind, who lost both Oussama Tannane and Hakim Ziyech to Morocco recently, into action to stop him from playing for the four-time African champions.
Tt seems certain that Fosu-Mensah’s name will be included next month in the Dutch squad for friendlies with Poland, Republic of Ireland and Austria.
The young defender has made a huge impression for Manchester United in recent weeks and that has sparked a tug of war between the Netherlands and Ghana.
Fosu Mensah, who was born in Amsterdam but from Ghanaian parents, has represented Netherlands up to U19 level, but can still opt to switch his allegiances to Ghana.
Reports this week indicated that Ghana boss Avram Grant is to get in contact with the 18-year-old, and his agency have confirmed the news to Dutch newspaper AD.
A spokesperson for Steller Group said: "We have indeed been called, Ghana wants to persuade him to that country.”