‘Don’t intend to sell’: President sends £45m warning to Wolves and Everton

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Sevilla are looking to fight for the La Liga title and have no plans to sell reported Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton target Lucas Ocampos, president Jose Castro has told Marca.

With Real Madrid’s squad ageing, Atletico mired in constant transition and Barcelona preparing for life without Lionel Messi, the door might have swung open for Sevilla to claim the Spanish top-flight title for the first time since 1946.

Julen Lopetegui’s side were imperious after football resumed in June, securing a fourth-place finish before beating Wolves, Manchester United and Inter Milan en route to a sixth Europa League title in the past 15 years.

The Mirror (21 August, page 58) reported Wolves and Everton are keen on the £45 million-rated Ocampos, Sevilla’s 17-goal top scorer in 2019/20.

But with domestic glory in Castro’s sights, a club famed for selling their star players year after year plan to buck the trend this time.

“Right now we’re thinking about building a good team and, at the moment, we don’t intend to sell any players,” Castro said.

“Of course, we’re always thinking about winning La Liga. The problem is it’s very difficult, but it’ll happen one year.

“In time we’ll build such a competitive team that one year we’ll win it. It’s not easy with the powerful (rivals) we have but I’m sure there’ll be a moment of weakness in the others.

“Without doubt (it will be easier to win La Liga if Messi departs). I’ve always said, with a player like that, it’s practically impossible to beat his team.”

Castro did add Sevilla may have no choice but to sell a star player or two if they receive an offer they simply can’t refuse, although it seems unlikely Wolves or Everton will pay a stunning sum for Ocampos in such a difficult market.

Defensive duo Diego Carlos and Jules Kounde have also expressed their desire to stay, while midfielders Ivan Rakitic and Oscar Rodriguez look like inspired additions too.