Sevilla director of football Monchi has again spoken of rejecting Manchester City's attempts to sign Jules Kounde.

City went as high as €55m for the defender, but it wasn't enough for Sevilla.

Monchi said: "We felt or did what we thought was fair and in defence of the interests of the club, also in an ambitious way, because many people would have chosen to accept that offer.

"We value pros and cons and believe in the player, that has been key. We believe in the projection of a 21-year-old boy with a lot of ground to make up.

"Despite being a magnificent offer, very very good, it did not satisfy the requests or what we thought of the player.

"Perhaps it was not what he was worth, because possibly that offer was close to what he was worth at that moment; also we have to think about what he can be worth."

Monchi also praised the centre-back for how he reacted to news of the rejected bid.

"He has been professional. Sometimes we are so used to seeing less professional behaviour that we are struck by the normal," he said.

"He has accepted with normality that he has signed a contract, with a clause and some emoluments. I appreciate that because it's always easier when the other party understands your position.

"He has had a professional and respectful behaviour with the club that has given him the opportunity to take another step in his career."