England in cheeky bid to steal Scotland U21 star Elliot Anderson after Diego Maradona comparisons
ENGLAND are reportedly trying to snatch Scotland Under-21 sensation Elliot Anderson, who has been compared to Diego Maradona.
That is according to the Daily Mail, who claim the Three Lions are ready to swoop for Anderson, who was born in Whitley Bay but has Scottish descent through one of his grandmothers.
The Newcastle playmaker, who is currently on loan at Bristol Rovers, has been involved with Scotland's Under-21 side this season having been capped at youth level.
The 19-year-old has also recently turned out for England's Under-19s in a friendly match.
Now the Three Lions want to offer him a call-up to their Under-20 or Under-21 set-up.
Anderson has stood out during his time in Bristol under manager Joey Barton, who claims he plays exactly the same way as Maradona when the Argentine was 19.
Read more in Football
Barton said: "I've been listening to Bill Shankly tapes a lot.
"He talked a lot about a 19-year-old Diego Maradona and how he slows down in the penalty area, exactly like Elliot Anderson does. Such a talent.
"Elliot has been brilliant for us from the first day we brought him in. I would have paid to watch him tonight - he was that good."
Anderson has amassed a total of three goals and two assists in 13 League Two appearances this season.
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS - BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has been keeping tabs on the young loanee and admits he is impressed.
Howe said: "I'm so pleased for him. When we came in, we could see he's a player of undoubted quality and I'd heard a lot of good things before working with him.
"He has a great attitude and stayed behind every day to work on certain aspects of his games.
"He was aware he needed to go out and play. We wanted that for him and delighted he's doing so well.
"It's not a surprise for me, I think he can play a lot higher than League Two but he has taken his opportunity and we'll have to review him like we will with every player in the summer."