Alves 'good value' at 30million euros, says Palop
SEVILLE, June 8 (Primera Liga) - Sevilla goalkeeper Andres Palop believes Barcelona will have got themselves a bargain even if they end up spending 30 million euros on Dani Alves.
Reports in Spain suggest that Alves' move from Sevilla to their La Liga rivals Barcelona is almost a done deal, with the possibility of the switch being officially confirmed on Monday. The transfer is thought to be worth 29.5 million euros, a price which could increase to as much as 35.5m euros if Alves helps Barca to league or Champions League success. Even if Barca do end up splashing out big on the Brazil international, Alves' Sevilla team-mate Palop feels it will be money well spent, citing Real Madrid's capture of Portugal centre-back Pepe as an example. 'The signing will end up being cheap because if they paid 30 million for Pepe I don't see why you can't pay 30 for Alves. I am convinced that they are going to enjoy him very much in Barcelona,' said Palop, who is currently on Euro 2008 duty with Spain. 'He (Alves) is a great player, very attacking and hard working, who does not let his head go down when he loses the ball, and who gives a lot of variety to the play of the team. 'As well as that he is a great free-kick taker and scores goals with ease. There are few full-backs in the world as complete as him,' Palop added in Spanish newspaper Sport. Alves may have earned widespread acclaim for his attacking abilities, but Palop insists the 25-year-old does not shirk his defensive responsibilities either. 'Don't think that he leaves his position uncovered, because he is a player who when the ball is lost in attack tries to get back to his position as soon as possible,' Palop added.
