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Alves absence from Sevilla team fuels transfer speculation
MADRID (AFP) - Sevilla fuelled speculation of the departure of right back Daniel Alves by leaving the Brazilian international out of their team named for Wednesday's Champions League tie at AEK Athens.
Alves, 24, has been targetted by both English Premier League side Chelsea and Spanish outfit Real Madrid.
And if he were to play on Wednesday he would not be eligable to play Champions League football with his future club this season.
"He won't be in shape to help the team, it's not worth forcing him, you only work when your heart is in it," said Sevilla coach Juande Ramos.
"But he hasn't said goodbye to us yet, nothing is sealed. We have to be patient and wait to see what happens."
Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido said Friday they have turned down two offers of over 30 million euros (41m dollars) for the player.
Real Madrid are reported to have made an offer of 20 million euros plus Brazilian right back Cicinho, and Brazilian striker Julio Baptista could also be part of the deal.
But despite Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho insisting they won't break the bank to sign the Brazilian they have the edge with superior spending power and Ivorian striker Salomon Kalou, who particularly interests Sevilla.
The London side could finance the purchase with the sale of Dutch midfielder Arjen Robben to Real Madrid.
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