Leverkusen's Sidney Sam being courted by Nigeria

Sam joined Leverkusen in July 2010 and has scored 11 goals in 48 German league games. By Fabian Bimmer (AFP/File)

BERLIN (AFP) - Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Sidney Sam is being courted by his father's homeland Nigeria, while the German Football Federation (DFB) also say they are interested in the 24-year-old.

Sam, who is currently out injured with a thigh strain, was born in the north German port of Kiel, but is eligible for both Nigeria and Germany for whom he has played at junior level from under-16 up until under-21 levels.

"Nigeria have a strong interest in Sidney. We are already in contact with the national association," said Sam's adviser Dirk Hebel told the Cologne-based Express newspaper.

Stephen Keshi, head coach of Nigeria's Super Eagles, is reported to be interested in having the attacking midfielder play for the African nation.

"It would be great if Sidney would decide for us," he said.

Germany currently have an abundance of exciting, young midfielders vying for places in the national team, but the DFB's director of sport Matthias Sammer has said Sam is on the radar of head coach Joachim Loew.

"I'll dig deeper now and discuss the issue with the sporting management of the national team," said Sammer.

"If Sam has prospects with the national team, he will - at least that is my feeling - decide to play for the DFB."

Sam joined Leverkusen in July 2010 and has scored 11 goals in 48 German league games plus six appearances in the Champions League.