KAA Gent's Kenny Saief has revealed that he is open to switching allegiances to his native USA.

The 21-year-old Florida-born attacking midfielder has represented Israel at youth level but says he is seriously considering choosing the American team if he gets the opportunity to do so.

In an interview with American Soccer Now, Saief admitted he was interested at the lure of representing the US at the FIFA World Cup despite not having returned to his country of birth since the age of three.

"I knew from someone that the United States was scouting me," said Saief who admits his father would like him to play for Israel.

"If I get a call from the United States, I think I would probably play for them. Which team is better at football? I think the United States is better.

"They play almost every four years in the World Cup. As a footballer they are better, I think."

Saief added: "At the end it's my decision.

"If I would say that the best for me would be to go to the United States, for sure I would decide to go to the United States.

"I respect everything from my father and I loved him. Maybe he had his own plans for the future to be on the Israeli national team, but maybe I feel that I really can do it and be a national team player for the United States."

Serif joined the Belgian club from Israeli club Ironi Nir Ramat HaSharon in the summer of 2014 and this season has been a key member of Hein Vanhaezebrouck's side who sit on top of the Belgian Pro-League and are through to the Champions League Round of 16, where they will meet Wolfsburg, in what is their first top flight European campaign.