England risk losing Sheffield United striker Diego de Girolamo to Italy.

The Sun says De Girolamo was born in Chesterfield, but qualifies for the Azzurri through his father, who enjoy a top flight career in Italy with Napoli.

A source said: "Italy believe they are favourites to persuade Diego to play for them and are confident of winning the battle for his allegiance.

"They have some U18 games coming up shortly and they could force the issue by calling him up."