Sevilla were one of several clubs dragged into the chase for Moussa Dembele over the past few days, but in Spain the reaction has been lukewarm.
That’s not because the Celtic forward isn’t seen as good enough, or that Sevilla don’t likely have a need in his position, it’s more to do with how hard Dembele will be to sign.
Brendan Rodgers has done a great job with the youngster since the player arrived at Celtic Park, and there’s no way he’s going to be leaving easily. Spanish newspaper Sport estimate a starting fee of around €35m, and that seems a little low given some of the prices being quoted for other players.
But, even at that figure, it would likely be too much for Sevilla. Unless they’re willing to change tact slightly, and speculate to accumulate, then other targets are likelier.
Sport say a chase for the Celtic player would be ‘long and difficult’, and other targets such as Lucas Perez and Javier Hernandez could fit better, with the former being on a loan basis.
Clubs dropping away is good news for Brendan Rodgers and his, perhaps slim, hopes of keeping Moussa Dembele at Celtic for another season.