Sevilla say Morata’s a ‘blessing’
SEVILLA boss Pablo Machin has insisted it would be a “blessing” if the Spanish club landed Alvaro Morata.
The £58million Chelsea marksman, who last scored in the Premier League in November, wants out after losing the confidence of manager Maurizio Sarri and the board.
The Blues want to replace Morata with Gonzalo Higuain, reuniting the former Napoli striker with Sarri. They are also still keen on Bournemouth hitman Callum Wilson.
Higuain is currently on loan at AC Milan from Juventus, but is understood to be unhappy there. Chelsea may have a problem with Morata, but Sevilla believe they are the answer. ”A problem?” said Machin. “Not at all. Having Morata would be a bloody blessing for me. Many teams want him.
“The aim of the club is clear: we want to bring the best in. If, due to finances, it can’t go ahead, nobody can feel frustrated. If we can’t, we will lower the bar a bit.”
Higuain has scored just one goal in Serie A since the end of October, but Chelsea are ready to pay his £35m transfer fee.
Milan’s sporting director Leonardo appeared earlier this week to suggest the club had run out of patience with the 31-year-old (above).
“It is difficult to manage a striker when he doesn’t score,” he said. “Higuain must find the real himself. He is living in a different situation, he left Juventus and he is here on loan. He is very important for us.’’ FRANK LAMPARD has urged Callum Hudson-Odoi not to quit Chelsea and fight for his place.
England Under-17 World Cup winner Hudson-Odoi wants to leave the Blues with his deal into the last 18 months. German giants Bayern Munich have tabled numerous bids of up to £35million for the winger.
But Blues legend and top-scorer Lampard, who played 649 games for them from 2001–2014 and got 211 goals, has urged him to stay.
The Derby boss, 40, said: “I would like to think a young English player at 18 who has his nose in the first team, and has incredible talent, will stay and push himself into the team and be a big player for Chelsea and England.
“Being close to Chelsea, I want him to stay there. It is a great club, a fantastic club. He needs to stay there as he is 18 and work hard to get chances in the team.
“He has done that recently and has played very well in the last couple of games. Hopefully, we will see more of that. I think it is a great opportunity for him.”