El Tri are facing a battle with Team USA for the international commitment of Santos Laguna whizkid Santiago Munoz.

ESPN reports US Soccer chiefs are targeting Munoz, 18, who has already tasted first team football with Santos.

Munoz qualifies for the US as he was born in Texas, though was raised in Mexico and was part of the El Tri team which finished runners-up at last year's U17 World Cup.

The striker currently is a member of Mexico U20's team.

Along with Munoz, US Soccer are also targeting fellow Mexico U17 starlet Efraín Álvarez, currently with LA Galaxy.