Officials at the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) have sounded out Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday over the possibility of staging a pre-season friendly match in Malta in the summer but talks on such proposal have yet to start, the MTA said in a statement.
Local and UK media last week reported that a 'Steel City' showdown could take place in Malta in July as part of the two rival clubs' preparations for next season.
"The MTA was aware of the fact that Sheffield United intended to organise a summer training camp in Malta in July," Kevin Drake, director of communications and PR at the MTA, said in the statement.
"More recently, the MTA was also approached by Sheffield Wednesday with a view to organising a training camp in Malta this summer, wherein SWFC fans would be also invited to come along with the team for a holiday.
"The MTA took it upon itself to approach both parties with the idea of holding a football game between the two teams, a 'Steel City derby', if the dates proposed by both teams could coincide or overlap.
"Naturally, due to the great, long-standing rivalry that exists between the two clubs, a good many logistical factors would first need to be discussed in depth and settled beforehand, not least being the issue of security.
"To date, formal talks still need to initiated between all the parties concerned and nothing is as yet decided or a fait accompli."
Sheffield United, who recently extended their sponsorship deal with the MTA by another two years, held a mini training camp in Malta late last month.
Reports about the proposed friendly derby in Malta have been played down by Sheffield United.
"It's a lovely idea but as far as we are concerned it's pure speculation," Jason Rockett, Sheffield United's chief executive, was quoted as saying last week.
"We have not been consulted on the proposed game which of course would have security implications.
"Our Malta sponsorship has brought awareness to other football clubs of the first class facilities on the island. We are pleased that as a result Wednesday are thinking of going to Malta."
Apart from security issues, finding a suitable venue for the friendly could also prove problematic for the organisers as the National Stadium is unlikely to be available in July due to the reseeding of the pitch.