Real Madrid's French left-back Theo Hernandez is considering switching international allegiance and making himself available for Spain, where he has lived for over 10 years.
The 20-year-old was born in Marseille and has represented France at youth level but after turning down a chance to join their under-21s for international friendlies earlier this year, he has not been included by coach Sylvain Ripoll for any games, including European Under-21 Championship qualifiers against Montenegro and Luxembourg this month.
Theo, who joined Real from Atletico Madrid on a six-year deal this summer, was quoted as saying by AS after his side's 3-0 win over Eibar: "I am not closing the door to [playing for] Spain but it's now been two call-ups when the France U21 side hasn't called me up and it's driving me crazy."
He was previously omitted in September from Ripoll's squad for an international friendly against Chile and a European Under-21 Championship qualifier against Kazakhstan, while he has yet to represent France at U21 level.
"If they continue to omit me, I will look at other options," Theo said.
Theo was photographed with friends on holiday in Marbella, Spain, when he chose not to join the France U21 side in June, pictures that upset Ripoll and the French Football Federation.
A player that has made four La Liga appearances for Real, including three as a starter, Theo claims his priority is still to represent his country of birth.
"I'm French but we will see what happens..." he is quoted as saying by Marca. "If France doesn't call me... I didn't get a call up in August, nor September or October so I will see. I'm a little bit disappointed."
Spain coach Julen Lopetegui hinted in June that Theo could be considered for La Roja if he had Spanish nationality. He can already apply for Spanish nationality as he has resided in Spain for the last 10 years uninterruptedly.
Theo enjoyed an impressive campaign on loan at Alaves in the 2016-17 season, helping the club to a ninth-place finish in La Liga and the Copa del Rey final.