Following on the news that Google Wallet will expand to 10 handsets through Sprint by year's end, NFC World is reporting Google Wallet is expanding in other ways too: Google is in talks to take the mobile payment platform abroad. According to a post on NFC World, Google Wallet will "definitely arrive in the U.K. this year."

NFC World also said talks with Korean mobile network operators have apparently taken place. Two other MNOs from two other countries are having discussions with Google on licensing Google Wallet but would not comment on the record, the report said.

Only NTT Docomo, one of Japan's big three carriers, has officially confirmed talks with Google on licensing the mobile payment method.

NFC World reports that carriers will likely either allow Google Wallet access to embedded Secure Elements on Android devices or Google Wallet would access SIM chips issued by MNOs. NFC SIMs issued by MNOs or financial institutions is the mobile payment model backed by most wireless carriers, so access to devices through SIMs would be a significant step for Google as it looks increase the adoption of Google Wallet.

For more on this subject, see the Contactless/NFC research center.