AN ALBION star is eyeing a nationality switch despite making 35 appearances for the French youth teams.

Neal Maupay has reportedly put in a personal request to Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni to consider selecting him for the national team.

The Brighton and Hove Albion striker is eligible for Argentina as his mother was born in the city of Bernal and gained citizenship aged 18.

Maupay, who has scored nine goals this season, has represented France a total of 35 times across various youth level, but has never made the senior squad.

The 25-year-old has reportedly discussed the proposed nationality switch with Brighton team-mate and Argentina international Alexis Mac Allister.

"With Alexis we group together, and we have a great friendship,” he told La Nacion.

"On his last call to the national team I told him to talk to the coach about me, to tell him that there is a French nationalised Argentine who wants to play there."

The Argus: Albion star Neal Maupay eyes Argentina call-up despite France youth caps Albion star Neal Maupay eyes Argentina call-up despite France youth caps

Maupay said he would face a tough decision if he was asked to chose between France and Argentina.

"I’ve asked myself that question before. I can’t predict what’s going to happen, but playing for a national team would be amazing,” he said.

"It’s hard to imagine two managers calling you at the same time. If this were to happen, of course I’d have to decide."

The forward said he has even developed a passion for Argentinian food since moving to Brighton.

"One day we went to eat at a restaurant in Nice, where the meat was Argentine and I liked it a lot,” he said.

"Now that I live in Brighton I go to another one called Latinoamericano, where they cook this type of meat.

"I’m not one to go out much, but every time I do, my date is there."

Maupay joined Albion in 2019 for an undisclosed terms, believed to be in the region of £20 million.