London, Aug 28(ANI): England manager Fabio Capello has reportedly had a personal meeting with Everton midfielder Mikel Arteta to discuss if the Spaniard would consider taking British citizenship and becoming an England international.
Arteta could qualify to play for England as he has lived in the country for five years, and has not appeared in any competitive games for Spain, The Sun reports.
Despite being one of the most accomplished midfielders in the Premier League, he is unlikely to break into the World Cup winning Spanish squad, where his route is barred by the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta and Xabi Alonso.
The 28-year-old is now taking advice on whether to pursue citizenship in England on residency grounds.
Although the process can be accelerated for footballers, it could still take six to nine months, possibly even a year, before he would be available for selection.
However, in a statement, the Football Association said: "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." (ANI)
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