Reyes was over-priced, claims Sevilla boss

Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido believes Jose Reyes "is not worth half" the fee Arsenal paid for the young striker.

According to reports in the Spanish press, the Barclaycard Premiership leaders could eventually splash out up to €25m for the 20-year-old Spanish international, dependant on appearances and Arsenal's success, with the fee paid in instalments.

Reyes, a life-long Sevilla fan, had just signed a new deal with the club and insisted he would only allow a transfer if it could help ease the Spanish side's financial crisis.

His move brought heavy criticism for Del Nido, but the Sevilla president insists it was too good an offer to turn down.

"The offer for Reyes was something that would only happen once and we had to take it," he said.

"What's more, and speaking as a supporter, I say that he is not worth half of what they have given us for him.

"I am saying that as someone who has been a season ticket holder for 45 years and whose grandfather was one of the founders of the club."