Spain's two-time Ballon d'Or winners Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas have also been nominated.

PSG, who claimed the Champions League in commanding fashion, have nine nominees.

Newcastle were also interested in signing the Slovenian, possibly to replace wantaway star Alexander Isak, a target for Liverpool.

The versatile back made the discovery after getting a call from New Zealand coach Scott Robertson this week telling him he was on the plane as injury cover for Caleb Clarke.