Adnan Januzaj Reportedly Looking to Play for England as Belgium Anger His Father

Manchester United's attacking midfielder Adnan Januzaj is hopeful of representing England if difficulties over residency period rules and the home nations agreement can be overcome, the Daily Mail's Matt Lawton reports.

The report comes after Januzaj's father declared his anger at comments made by Belgian coach Marc Wilmots last weekend, reported by ESPN FC, with the youngster having chosen not to join the Belgium side for recent World Cup qualifiers.

Lawton's article states:

"

Adnan Januzaj will choose England as his international team if the Football Association can overcome the obstacle of the five-year residency rule.

The Manchester United winger, born in Brussels to Kosovar-Albanian parents, has already rejected the advances of Belgium as he considers his options.

But the Football Association have already been given a strong indication that the 18-year-old, who is eligible to represent four other countries, would prefer England.

"

Wilmots recently told Januzaj to prove he wants to play for Belgium, to which the player's father responded, per ESPN FC:

"

We never reacted on selections, phone calls or letters from the Belgian FA.

They are requesting his selection, not us. Wilmots' remarks won't make it easier now. We are angry about these comments.

"

The crux of the matter, per Lawton's article, is how long Januzaj would need to wait to represent England were he to make the switch.

FIFA's rules indicate that he would need to be a resident for five years while over the age of 18 to receive international clearance, which would require the attacking midfielder to wait until 2018 for selection.

With the youngster having already lived in England for two years, Lawton suggests that the FA would be willing to attempt to push through a passport application to help, if possible.

The latest reports, though, will only serve to stir up the hornets' nest over national identity that blew up prior to the latest round of international friendlies.

There was a televised debate in Albania over whether Januzaj should be regarded as a hero or villain should he opt not to represent the country, per Lawton and Nick Fagge in the Daily Mail, with pressure increasing on the youngster from all angles.

Lawton writes, though, that Januzaj would have chosen to represent Kosovo, but his homeland are not allowed to participate in FIFA or UEFA tournaments as debate over their independence continues.

Manchester United will hope that the intense debate surrounding the player since his brace at Sunderland a fortnight ago does not play on the mind of their teenage talent.

Besides deciding his international future, Januzaj is also in the process of negotiating an extension to his current contract, which expires next summer, per the Telegraph's Mark Ogden. From January, United will be aware he is eligible to discuss terms with any club.

The rights or wrongs of Januzaj playing for England are for FIFA and the FA to decide. However, it is hard not to feel sorry for the player given the pressure he is coming under.

His father appears to be a strong influence on his son's career, which will help in the current spotlight. It will doubtless be a relief this week when he can return to focusing on footballing matters ahead of the weekend's clash with Southampton.