Sevilla star Vitolo flattered by Barcelona links as Catalans look for Arda Turan replacement

Sevilla star Vitolo is flattered by recent reports linking him with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid as the Spanish international refused to rule out a summer move away from the Europa League champions. Meanwhile, Mundo Deportivo reports that Pep Guardiola is also ready to join the race to lure him to Manchester City ahead of the 2017-2018 campaign.

Vitolo, 27, moved to Jorge Sampaoli's side in the summer of 2013 after impressing at Las Palmas.

The versatile midfielder has since become a key player for the Andalucian side, helping them to win three Europa League crowns in a row.

Last summer Atletico Madrid were linked with his services but he instead committee his future to Sevilla by signing a new deal until 2020 with a €40m (£33.6m, $43.5m) release clause.

However, reports in recent times have claimed that Barcelona and Atletico themselves are closely monitoring his situation following a campaign in which he has also become a regular for the Spanish national team.

Asked about the interest from the Catalans and Atletico during an interview with Marca plus, Vitolo admitted: "It is always flattering that the big clubs think (about signing me). That's the truth. It's nice. My agent deals with these things and I focus on playing football."

And pressed whether he will be at Sevilla in the 2017-2018 season, he replied: "I have a contract, that's the first thing, and I am very happy here. But from there, if there are offers and the club listen them, we'll see what can happen. It is a matter of seeing if there is something interesting for every party."

Yet, Mundo Deportivo is reporting that Barcelona have already made an approach to know his availability ahead of a potential summer move to the Nou Camp.

The Spanish publications says the Spanish international is among the candidates to replace Arda Turan as the Catalans plan to part ways with the Turk in the coming summer transfer window.

However, Mundo Deportivo says that Barcelona will face competition from Atletico and Manchester City as both club have already expressed a firm interest in getting his services.

Sevilla, according to the reports, have told both Simeone's side and City that they won't negotiate below his €40m release clause but Barcelona could sweaten the deal by including some youngsters like Sergi Samper or Munir.