Mikel Arteta's agent has hinted that the midfielder could leave Everton to boost his chances of breaking into the Spain team.

Arteta has never been capped at international level and Inaki Ibanez believes the only reason is that he does not play for one of the top clubs in Europe.

"Mikel deserves better," the agent said in The Sun.

"If he was at one of the best four clubs in England or Spain he would be an international."

Arteta has been one of Everton's standout players since moving to Goodison Park, initially on loan, in January 2005.

He was an instrumental figure as David Moyes' side secured Champions League qualification that season, and has gone from strength to strength over the last couple of years.

Arteta only signed a new long-term contract last year after speculation linked him with a switch back to La Liga.

Atletico Madrid and Real Zaragoza were both understood to be interested, while Ibanez's comments suggest there could be more rumours if Everton fail to qualify for the Champions League this season.

They are currently five points adrift of Merseyside rivals Liverpool with just six games of the season remaining.

Sporting Life / Eurosport