1. FC Union Berlin defender Lennard Maloney has been called up to the U20 national team of the United States. The 18-year-old, who turns 19 in October, will join Tab Ramos' squad this month as the US prepare for the qualifying process to reach the U20 World Cup, which takes place in Poland next summer.

Berlin-born Maloney holds dual citizenship and has already been involved in various development squads with the German FA. However, the Union academy graduate will now fulfil the opportunity to represent the country of his father's birth.

In an interview with US soccer website AmericanSoccerNow, Maloney confirmed his desire to play for the United States. "Playing for the United States is one of my greatest dreams. Of course it's also nice to play for Germany. But deep inside my heart, I really want to play for the USA. I don't know why, this feeling is just there," explained the youngster.

Maloney will arrive in Raleigh, North Carolina on July 15 before Ramos' squad takes part in two bounce games before qualifying begins later in the year.