Villarreal out, Sevilla still in the race to sign Nigerian star who dreams of playing in La Liga

An excellent season in Spain turned one of Nigeria's young forwards into one of the most in-demand African footballers in Europe

Russian side Krasnodar and Europa League winners Villarreal are no longer interested in signing prolific Nigerian striker Umar Sadiq, according to a La Colina de Nervion report.

The report also suggested that Sevilla are still genuine admirers of the 24-year-old Almeria forward and could make a move for him before the end of the transfer window.

Krasnodar were reportedly among the first clubs to offer €15 million for Sadiq, who became the toast of half of Europe after nearly guiding Almeria back to the Spanish La Liga.

But Almeria rejected their offer, and the Russians proceeded to sign Colombian star Jhon Cordoba instead for 20 million euros, putting an end to their interest in Sadiq.

Villarreal have equally completed the €15 million capture of Senegalese forward Boulaye Dia, despite being constantly linked with a move for Sadiq.

With their biggest rivals now out of the picture, Sevilla are in pole position to secure the signature of the former Nigerian youth international who banged in 22 goals in all competitions for Almeria last term.

Sadiq has never hidden his desire to play at the pinnacle of Spanish league football, a sentiment that boosts Sevilla's chances ahead of other clubs in Europe.

The former AS Roma starlet, who still has four years left on his contract, has made it clear that he is not thinking of a move away from Almeria and that he's committed to staying with the Rojiblancos to help them achieve their La Liga promotion target.

“You have to be focused on the present,” Sadiq said, as per Lavoz de Almeria.

“I'm here, I have a valid contract, and I'm going to play for Almería, a team which wants to be promoted to the First Division.”

While the race for his signature continues, Sadiq will look to help Almeria start their 2021-22 Segunda League campaign with a positive result when they make the trip to the Estadio Cartagonova to face Cartagena on Saturday.