France coach Didier Deschamps has told RMC he will not call up Lyon prodigy Nabil Fekir merely to prevent him playing for Algeria.
Virtually unknown at the start of the season, Fekir, 21, has made a name for himself with an impressive campaign at OL, contributing nine goals and six assists in 22 games to help his club to the top of the Ligue 1 table.
His performances have sparked the interest of clubs around Europe, notably Arsenal, while the French-born midfielder's Algerian roots mean there could be a battle between the two nations to secure his services.
Deschamps, 46, will soon name his squad for Les Bleus' upcoming friendlies with Brazil and Denmark, but said he has not yet decided on whether or not to include the Lyon youngster.
"I can't say right now. He's playing a lot, he's performing well. He has a different style. It's promising. I'm following him, as I am other youngsters," Deschamps said.
"I don't do politics. If I take Nabil Fekir, it'll be because I am convinced of his qualities. I'm not going to pick him to stop him playing elsewhere. If both nations call him up, he'll have to choose. He has the liberty to do that. If I don't call him up, he'll go elsewhere. But even if I call him up, he could still go elsewhere. It'll be his choice."
In an interview with L'Equipe last weekend, Fekir said he would soon make up his mind which country he will represent at senior level with Algeria boss Christian Gourcuff considering selecting him for the African nation's friendlies with Qatar and Oman next month.
"The decision to choose between Algeria and France will be very difficult. I am going to weigh up the pros and cons, and I'll soon announce my final decision," said Fekir, whose Algerian-born father would reportedly prefer his son to opt for the Fennecs.
"I know both of them could call me up next month. I'll try to take my decision before March. It's not easy, that's for sure. I'm going to speak to my dad, and we'll see, even if I have already talked to him about it."