Sevilla boss Eduardo Berizzo is 'hopeful' that his club can keep hold of Steven N'Zonzi beyond the end of this summer's transfer window.
The 27-year-old joined Sevilla from Stoke City in the summer of 2015, and has developed into a key player at the Estadio Ramon, with his performances believed to have attracted a host of attention.
Juventus have been strongly linked with a move for the Frenchman in recent days, with the Italian champions said to be prepared to activate the midfielder's £36.4m release clause.
Berizzo, however, is desperate to retain the services of the powerful midfielder beyond the August deadline.
"I think he knows the situation with us and there is no need for me as the coach to state it," Berizzo told beIN Sports. "He is a fantastic player with great physical attributes... for any coach, he would be a key player and I hope we can count on him after the end of August."
Sevilla will open their 2017-18 La Liga campaign with a home game against Espanyol on Saturday night.
Matt Law
