Leeds United man braced for international offer after head coach pays special visit and return to form

Neveleff paid a visit to Firpo and OGC Nice midfielder Pablo Rosario following his appointment as Dominican Republic manager, in a bid to convince the pair to switch international allegiances and represent the Caribbean nation.

Firpo and Rosario are of Dominican descent but currently out of the national team reckoning for Spain and Holland, respectively. The Leeds full-back is uncapped at senior level, however was part of the Under-21 side which was crowned European champions in 2019 alongside teammate Marc Roca.

Rosario has made one appearance for the Dutch national team, however his solitary cap came in 2018 during a non-competitive fixture, permitting him to declare for another national side.

The Dominican Republic are ranked 152nd in the FIFA Men’s World Rankings and have never qualified for the World Cup or CONCACAF Gold Cup. Declaring for the country of his birth would make Firpo the most high-profile Dominican player in the country’s history as currently no members of Neveleff’s squad compete domestically in what can be classed a major league.

Firpo’s return to form in a Leeds shirt has coincided with the Dominican head coach’s visit. The 26-year-old scored a crucial late winner against Southampton last month to give United their first league win in several matches as they look to stave off relegation.

Federación Dominicana de Fútbol are yet to make an official approach for Firpo as Neveleff’s visit is understood to have been a courtesy call, while it is unclear whether Santo Domingo-born Firpo is seriously considering representing Los Quisqueyanos. Any commitment is likely to include lengthy trips during international breaks and given his experience working under Luis de la Fuente – current Spanish national team boss – with the Under-21 side, a senior call-up to La Selección is not entirely out of the question, should his recent form continue.