Portsmouth's Lomana LuaLua is considering not playing for the DR Congo in the African Nations Cup.
LuaLua told BBC Radio Solent: "I'll have to talk to the manager. I can't turn around and say yes I'll go, as Portsmouth are my team."
"But let's not forget, DR Congo is my country and it's a big opportunity to represent them."
Pompey boss Harry Redknapp added: "I'll have a word with him and try to negotiate with DR Congo."
LuaLua has been asked to attend a squad training camp from 6 January but Redknapp intends to have him in his team to face Everton at home eight days later.
Redknapp expects Everton to push for Joseph Yobo to be made available by Nigeria for the same game.
"We can try to hold our players back too," Redknapp said.
"I understand that is what some other Premiership clubs are doing.
"If that's the case we will look to do the same with LuaLua. We pay his wages and he's got to think about the position we are in.
"I don't know how long we can keep him back but if other clubs are keeping their African Nations Cup players back then it will help us to do the same."
LuaLua's comments seem to contradict comments he made three weeks ago saying he was almost certain to go to Egypt.
"I could be leaving Portsmouth in an awkward position but representing my country means everything to me."
"People keep asking me whether I will be going to the African Cup of Nations and that is certainly the aim."