Ghana want to persuade Leicester striker Joe Dodoo to pledge his future to them ahead of England.

The exciting 20-year-old is expected to become part of England's U21 set-up this season after making his first team breakthrough at Leicester last month.

Dodoo scored a hat-trick on his debut against Bury in the Capital One Cup and has been drafted into Claudio Ranieri's Premier League squad.

He has already been capped by England at U18 level but his performances have alerted Ghana with the Black Stars keen to bring him in for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Dodoo was born in Kumasi, Ghana but his grandmother brought him to England in search of a better life when he was just eight years old.

His family settled in Nottingham where he took up football and was soon spotted by Leicester scouts, joining their academy at 13.

England want to harbour the best attacking talent, though face similar scenarios over international allegiance with Nigeria keen on Liverpool's Jordon Ibe and the Republic of Ireland hoping to convince Aston Villa's Jack Grealish to play for them.

Dodoo is proud of his Ghanaian heritage, yet considers himself English and is keen to commit to England.

But that won't stop the Africans who would like him to link up with other Premier League players such as club mate Jeff Schlupp and the likes of Swansea's Andre Ayew and his brother Jordan at Aston Villa.

Dodoo is expected to be part of Leicester's squad to face Villa on Sunday.