- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that new Jamaica boss Steve McClaren has his eyes set on some ambitious names to join him in the national team.
After two years at Manchester United, Steve McClaren departed Old Trafford with Erik ten Hag bringing in Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake into new coaching roles.
McClaren decided to depart Old Trafford and has taken the reins of the Jamaican national team this summer and he has been busy getting to work trying to convince players to join the national team.
The Englishman was previously manager of the England national team and it appears he’s keen on convincing some Premier League players about playing for the Reggae Boyz.
McClaren contacts Morgan Gibbs-White and Reiss Nelson
McClaren is already known to have contacted Mason Greenwood, who moved to Marseille this summer, and Isaac Hayden about the prospect of playing for the Reggae Boyz.
As well as contacting Greenwood and midfielder Isaac Hayden, sources have told HITC that the former England manager has contacted three more Premier League stars.
Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson, Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell, Bournemouth’s Max Aarons and Ben Godfrey – who joined Atalanta this summer – are all understood to be in his sights.
During a recent press conference, where he was unveiled as the new national team manager, McClaren was asked about Greenwood.
“I know the players,” McClaren said. “I met Mason and we had a little conversation. I want to go and meet everyone when I get back and find out whether they want to come here and play for Jamaica. Again, it’s the commitment..”
McClaren keen to thank Ten Hag
Last season was a disaster for the Red Devils, despite winning the FA Cup, ten Hag’s job was on the line before United decided to extend the Dutchman’s contract.
“I want to thank Erik for giving me that opportunity at Man United. When this job came up and I thought about it and it was a new challenge for me and that’s what I needed.
“We finished on a high and won the FA Cup. I thought it was the ideal time to leave Manchester United…I love a challenge and this is an exciting one.”
McClaren will be hoping to convince some of these Premier League players to join him at the Reggae Boyz this summer.
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