Sevilla hit back after two English bids arrive for Liverpool, Man City target

Sevilla have reportedly insisted that they will not discuss the future of Liverpool and Manchester City-linked defender Diego Carlos until the end of their Europa League campaign.

Carlos has emerged as one of the top centre-backs in Europe in his debut season with Sevilla, in which he only missed three LaLiga games.

The Brazilian played 90 minutes in 34 of his 35 games and has reportedly peaked the interest of Liverpool and City.

Reports have heavily linked City boss Pep Guardiola with a defensive overhaul. The Spaniard will reportedly receive a £150million warchest, with a £35million deal for Bournemouth’s Nathan Ake close.

Earlier speculation said Sevilla were “looking forward” to making significant capital gain on Carlos. The 27-year-old cost £13.5million and has a release clause of €75million (£67.6million) release clause.

Now, Goal claims Sevilla have received two significant bids from English clubs. The first offer arrived a month ago, with the second coming in in recent days.

However, the LaLiga side have said Carlos will only leave if the interested clubs can activate his release clause.

What’s more, Sevilla will not negotiate until their European campaign is over.

Diego Carlos Sevilla

Julen Lopetegui’s side play Roma in the last 16 of the Europa League next month, one of two ties which have been changed to one-legged affairs.

The first leg was scheduled for March 11 but, due to the coronavirus pandemic, Roma did not leave Italy.

Reports have linked Liverpool with a swoop for another defender, amid uncertainty over Dejan Lovren’s future.

The Croatia international is reportedly a target for Zenit St Petersburg after falling down Jurgen Klopp’s pecking order.

KLOPP TALKS LIVERPOOL SPENDING

Liverpool boss Klopp said in his latest press conference on Tuesday that he is “100% happy” with his squad.

As well as defenders, midfield is an area Klopp is reportedly targeting, with Bayern Munich’s Thiago Alcantara a target.

However, speaking to the media, he insisted that simply buying players can often be the wrong approach.

Indeed, he added that the financial impact of the pandemic has skewed the club’s ambitions.

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