Seville will trigger the purchase option in Andre Silva’s loan from AC Milan “at the end of the season or even before”, claims the club’s sporting director Joaquin Caparros.
The Portugal international striker completed a switch to Spain over the summer after being deemed surplus to requirements at San Siro.
He had struggled during a one-season spell in Italy, with only two Serie A goals recorded in 2017-18.
With Milan prepared to explore other options, as Gonzalo Higuain was drafted in, Silva was allowed to head for the exits.
The 23-year-old has flourished in Spain, netting seven times in 14 appearances , and Sevilla have made it clear that he will be remaining with them regardless of the plans his parent club have for him.
Caparros told his side’s website : “The fans can rest assured, the player will stay with us with a contract for many seasons.
“We have the will and the opportunity to keep the player here. Milan can say what they want, they’re looking at him again as are many other clubs who want him, but no-one can do anything.
“We have this option to buy and at the end of the season, or even before, we’ll exercise it.”
Goal understands that any deal done by Sevilla will see them secure Silva on a contract through to 2023.
They will get that agreement in place by completing a €35 million (£31m/$40m) transfer.
That is the fee stipulated in the forward’s loan terms, with €3m having already been paid out to secure his services for 2018-19.
Sevilla will be hoping that there is much more to come from Silva before a permanent move is pushed through.
His efforts to date have helped the club to enjoy a positive start to the season which currently has them sat second in the Liga table.
They are just one point back on reigning champions Barcelona and are also still involved in Copa del Rey and Europa League campaigns.