New Liverpool Signing Ilori Open to Making Three Lions Switch

New Liverpool recruit Tiago Ilori is focused on continuing his progression through Portugal international youth ranks, but won't rule out the possibility of representing England.

The 20-year-old, signed from Sporting Lisbon on transfer deadline day, was born in London and lived in the capital for eight years before his parents uprooted to Portugal where the defender would soon begin to work his way through Sporting's ranks.

No sooner had Ilori completed his return to England in a deal worth £7m, it emerged that the Football Association had begun making tentative steps in convincing the centre half to commit to playing for England, despite having represented Portugal at under-18, under-19 and under-20 level.

For the time being, the Liverpool defender remains open on his future, but may be called to make a decision sooner rather than later.

"I think I would like to stay loyal to Portugal as I have played in every age group for them," Ilori told the Liverpool Echo.

"But I would never close any doors and there is no decision to make yet. If I have the choice then it is not a bad choice to have.

Born to a London-born father and Portuguese mother, Ilori's entire footballing education took place away from these shores.

"I lived in a few places around Kentish Town. I was eight when we moved to Portugal, my mum is Portuguese. I didn't play in any football league when I was in London but just played with my friends.

"My English family are originally from Manchester and they all moved to London. My dad was born in London as well."

Ilori recently represented Portugal at the Under-20 World Cup in Istanbul over the summer, making three appearances for his nation before his side were eliminated at the last 16 stage.

The youngster had previously clocked up 15 appearances for the under-19 side, but has yet to appear on the radar of the senior side's head coach Paulo Bento.