England could be set for a late World Cup boost – thanks to Bayer Leverkusen hot-shot Leon Bailey.
The shock revelation could give boss Gareth Southgate a massive shot-in-the-arm going into the finals in Russia in three months' time.
The Football Association are aware that the Jamaican-born frontman qualifies for the Three Lions – two of his grand-parents hold British passports.
And Bailey – who has been scouted extensively by Manchester United, Liverpool and Spurs – is on the radar of England's recruitment team.
The 22-year-old is eligible to play for a number of countries. He has played for Jamaica's Under-23 team and could also represent Belgium and Malta.
In public, he has yet to decide which country to pledge his allegiance to.
However, sources close to his team have said it would be 'hard for him to turn down' the chance if Gareth Southgate made an official approach.
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At the moment, neither side has shown their hand but Bailey, whose fee would be upwards of £75m in the current market, would certainly offer a realistic option, particularly up front.
England have a rich history of using players with Jamaican links dating back to John Barnes who was born on the Caribbean island but went on to become a legend for his adopted country.
A host of current England squad have Jamaica links – including Kingston-born Raheem Sterling, who, coincidentally, is a close friend of Bailey and who has no doubt confirmed to him the positives of playing for England.