England staff are mindful of the racism problems several players experienced at Real Madrid's home stadium on the last occasion they visited Madrid four years ago, when Shaun Wright-Phillips, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Jermain Defoe and Jermaine Jenas were abused.

The Spanish federation (RFEF) were eventually fined £45,000 by FIFA, and the Football Association have insisted they are unwilling to play in Madrid on this occasion.

Even though the Spanish officials have stressed they decide where the fixture should take place, there is no prospect of the FA agreeing to England taking on a match in the Spanish capital.

The FA have confirmed coach Fabio Capello has personally requested a match against the European champions which is likely to take place in February.

The Spaniards have noted the FA's position over the location for the proposed match, and RFEF spokesman Jorge Carretero said: "We are aware of their worry.

"The FA were clear that they wouldn't play the game in Madrid because of the racist attacks that they were subject to in 2004.

"But the fans that go to the Bernabeu are fantastic as they are in the whole of Spain.

"We're not thinking about an alternative location because at the moment there is no contract that is signed.

"If we reach an agreement then the game will be played where the Spanish federation thinks is best."

The fixture is expected to be played on Wednesday, February 11, the only remaining FIFA international date still to be filled.

Given it was only last month that Emile Heskey was singled out for racist abuse in Croatia, the FA are keen to take a stand on such matters and have made it a condition of the game that it will not be held at the Bernabeu, which is Spain's traditional, although not permanent, home.

Capello was coach of Real Madrid until last year.

With Madrid ruled out by FA officials, Seville and Valencia would appear the most likely alternative cities for the game.