Kevin Zefi on verge of Albania switch - report

The Dublin native has represented Ireland up to U19 level.

Kevin Zefi on duty with  Ireland Under-19s. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Roma’s Irish wonderkid Kevin Zefi is set to switch allegiance to Albania, according to local reports.

The winger represented Ireland up to U19 level but has been in discussions with the nation of his parents’ birth about jumping ship.

The 19-year-old burst on the scene with Shamrock Rovers as a 15-year-old League of Ireland debutant, breaking the mould by snubbing offers from UK clubs to move to the continent.

A three-year deal to join Serie A giants Inter Milan was brokered by his representative, former Ireland international Stephen Carr, in 2021 but that stay came to a premature halt last year.

Newcastle United were primed to recruit the Blanchardstown native until a shoulder injury scuppered the move. Instead, he stayed within the Italian system by joining Roma, where he lines out for their reserve team.

Albania’s next Euro U21 qualifier is in September against Switzerland, an appearance would bind Zefi to the country under Fifa’a rules on eligibility.