Sevilla president Jose Castro: AFA must pay Sampaoli clause in full

Sevilla president Jose Castro has told Argentina they must pay Jorge Sampaoli's release clause in full before he can leave.

Sampaoli is under contract until June 2018 and has an offer to extend that deal for another season but can leave provided a €1.5 million release clause is met.

Argentina Football Association (AFA) president Claudio Tapia said last week that Sampaoli was the only candidate for the vacant position of Argentina national coach and that officials would wait until the end of the season before starting negotiations.

But Castro told his club's official website: "Sampaoli has one year left on his contract and a clause. If someone wants to take him, they need to pay the clause.

"I cannot be any clearer. Either they pay the clause or he completes his contract here."

Reports in Spain have claimed Sampaoli will be unveiled as the new Argentina coach on May 22, a day after Sevilla's final game of the season.

But Castro said: "From the 30th [May], we will see if AFA or anyone else pays the clause. There will be no room for negotiation because we are very happy with our coach."

Sevilla still have an opportunity to make history under Sampaoli. Three wins from their three remaining games would see them reach 77 points -- surpassing their best-ever total of 76 in 2014-15.

"Our only concern right now is on our last three games and achieving nine points that are up for grabs," Castro said.

"We want to get maximum points in order to play next season in the Champions League."

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