Sevilla chief José María Cruz has confirmed Manchester City made an offer for Jules Kounde over the summer.
City pushed for the Frenchman before eventually signing Ruben Dias from Benfica.
Cruz told Radio Sevilla: “It was a lot of money this time. But he was also a player who didn't come to us cheap, €21m. We consider the amount they offered us as insufficient because the player was worth more and we believe he will be worth more.
"His value will not decrease, it will increase.
"We are talking about a player who still has four seasons, there will be time, it is (sporting director) Monchi's domain and will assess when to renew."