Del Nido: Pay Up, Or Alves Stays

There are shades of last season about the current dilemma in Andalucía. Daniel Alves, the right-back, has announced his intention to mvoe on, but the club president is adamant that he won't be allowed to do so for less than his allotted value.

"[Alves] has four more years of contract and if a satisfactory offer doesn't come in for another club... then he will continue no matter what," said the 'presi'.

Last year Sevilla rejected offers of around €30m from Sevilla, and although Del Nido states that he's looking for top dollar once more, there are indications that he may be willing to soften his stance a bit.

"All prices are negotiables," he said.

"But in this case, and with this player, there is little room for manoeuvre because his price is high."

New Season

As for next season, Sevilla must operate without Seydou Keita, who is about to buy out his contract and move to Barcelona, but here will be more players coming in.

There will most likely be a right-back (to replace Alves), a left-back, a centre-back, a central midfielder and a utility player "who can play on the right, the left, or attacking midfield," said Del Nido.

As for the right back, Fernando Navarro's name has been linked - for €12m, or a third of Alves' value.

"I think it's fine that [the Mallorca president] has put a price on his players, and he has the right, but Fernando Navarro doesn't interest Sevilla for €12m or €12,000," puffed José.

"I never rule out any player entirely, but today Fernando Navarro does not interest us."

With rumours abounding that Diego Capel is to move on to Tottenham Hotspur, Del Nido denied that the youngster's clause was on the verge of being paid out.

In closing, he defended his choice of manager.

"We've chosen the best, the man at the top of the list - Manolo Jiménez," he boomed.

Steve Michaels, Goal.com