The Football Association insist they are yet to be asked by Fabio Capello about the prospect of selecting Mikel Arteta for England.
Arteta currently meets FIFA requirements on residency grounds, although he would also have to apply for UK citizenship, which would delay any debut for a further six months.
The 28-year-old has previously spoken positively about the idea, given his chances of a call-up for Spain are virtually non-existent due to the presence of superstars such as Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas.
Yet such a move would be loaded with controversy given the Spain-born star represented the country of his birth at Under-21 level and a gentleman's agreement is also said to be in place amongst the Home Nations that specifies that to qualify for an international call-up you must either have been born in the country, have a parent or grandparent born in the country or have spent five years in education in the country before the age of 18.
Should Capello approach the Football Association on the matter, all these issues will have to be taken into consideration.
Some feel it would dilute the value of the England side, others that the move would be no different to appointing "outsiders" such as Capello and Sven-Goran Eriksson, as manager.
The conversation is yet to take place though, according to the FA.
"We have not discussed the matter as a policy, as we have not been in a position where the manager wants to select a 'dual passport player'," said an FA spokesman.
