Spain are ready to battle England for Leeds striker Mateo Joseph.

Joseph, formerly of Espanyol, played for England at last year's U20 World Cup.

AS says the English FA have received a notification from the RFEF informing them that the Leeds striker will be called up by Spain U21s after Emergency nationalization had been processed for him (to play for England, Joseph had to renounce Spanish nationality, since only citizens of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea or Portugal are allowed to have dual nationality).

UEFA has already processed the change of federation record, so Joseph will no longer be able to play with another team other than Spain even if he never debuts with the seniors.

Despite having played several games for England U20s, Joseph has always expressed to his closest circle that his intention was to play for Spain.

Joseph will be named on Friday in Spain U21 coach Santi Denia's squad for next week's matches against Slovakia (March 21) and Belgium (March 26).