Sevilla hope to finalise a new contract with Julio Baptista by the end of the month.
Sevilla hope to finalise a new contract with midfielder Julio Baptista by the end of the month.The Brazilian has been a revelation since he joined from Sao Paulo at the beginning of last season, and finished the campaign the club's top scorer with 19 goals.
His outstanding displays attracted interest from a host of clubs both inside Spain and out.
Barcelona emerged as his most serious suitor, but Sevilla fended off interest from the Catalans.
They have been keen to tie Baptista to an improved deal since the summer but have found themselves frustrated due to the fact the player's agent Juan Figger has not travelled to Spain to thrash out terms.
However, Figger is now due in Spain next week, and Sevilla expect to finally secure their man.
"Juan has told me he is going to travel to Spain next week, and we are confident that we will have the matter of Julio sorted by the end of the month," stated Herminio Menendez - business partner of Baptista's agent Juan Figger.
"There exists a will on both sides to finalise it."
