Serbia chase Bayern midfielder Pavlovic from under Germany's nose

Bayern Munich midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic is in the sights of the Serbian Football Association despite having played youth football for Germany.

The 19-year-old was born in Germany to Serbian parents.

He has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Bayern, starting the Champions League win over Lazio on Tuesday despite more experienced options being available.

He has played for Germany under-20s and looks set for under-21 honours, but Serbia want him for their senior side before he is called up for Germany's main team.

The Serbian FA (FSS) said in a statement that a meeting took place last weekend between sporting director Stevan Stojanovic and Pavlovic's parents.

Stojanovic said he was told that the player did not want to make a decision until after the European Championship in Germany in June and July.

Serbia already wanted to call up Pavlovic for the upcoming international matches in March. Now they hope the midfielder will wear the Serbia jersey from September, Stojanovic said.

It is doubtful that Pavlovic could force his way into Germany's squad for the Euros, especially after Toni Kroos came out of international retirement.

However, there has been speculation coach Julian Nagelsmann might call up Pavlovic for the friendlies with France and the Netherlands in late March just to lock him in as a Germany international for the future. An under-21 nomination seems more likely, however.