Sevilla have refused to accept allow its sporting director Monchi to leave the Europa League holders, and say all speculation over the future of the reported Manchester United and Everton target should now end.
Former Sevilla goalkeeper Monchi took the position at the Estadio Sanchez Pizjuan in 2000, when the club were in the Segunda Division in Spain. They have since won nine trophies including four UEFA Cup and Europa League triumphs -- most recently by beating Liverpool in this season's final -- with Monchi's ability to identify and sign players playing a huge part in that success.
Monchi's relationship with the club has come under scrutiny this week, with reports of a falling-out with the club's hierarchy amid speculation that Manchester United wanted to bring the 46-year-old to the Premier League to work with new manager Jose Mourinho. Other clubs including Real Madrid, Everton and Espanyol were also apparently interested in hiring the talent-spotter, whose Sevilla contract reportedly includes a €5 million release clause.
Following a long meeting at the Sanchez Pizjuan on Tuesday, the Andalucian club released a statement admitting that Ramon Rodriguez Verdejo -- better known as Monchi -- had wanted to leave "for personal reasons" but saying that they would not allow his contract to be broken and all parties accepted that the issue was now closed.
"Sevilla FC, after analysing in recent hours the request presented by its sporting director, Ramon Rodriguez Verdejo, Monchi, to settle his contract with the club, has decided to require him to fulfil his contract signed last summer and which connects the coach from San Fernando with the club until 30 June 2020, so Monchi will remain in his current position," the statement said.
"Monchi, at the meeting he had with the board this Monday at lunchtime, communicated to the directors his desire to leave his position at Sevilla for personal reasons.
"At the core of the club the situation was weighed up during the day and the final decision was made to communicate to Monchi the wish for his contract signed by both parties to be respected, so that the sporting director remains in his position at the club.
"Monchi has accepted the club's decision and has communicated his commitment to keep working with the same dedication and professionalism that he has always shown to the club. The club wishes to show its satisfaction with this solution and thanks Monchi, being fully confident that he will continue in his role with the same intensity, quality and efficiency that he has always shown."
Sky Sports News has reported since the statement was released that Manchester United are not interested in Monchi or Atletico Madrid's Andrea Berta, as they have no plans to appoint anyone to a sporting director role.
New Everton owner Farhad Moshiri is reportedly monitoring the situation, and would like to bring both Monchi and current Sevilla coach Unai Emery to Goodison Park.
Monchi has often been linked with other clubs during his time at Sevilla, including Barcelona and Liverpool, but until now has always rejected any advances.