Report: Sevilla, Atletico keen to sign unsettled Morata

Alvaro Morata could be heading back to Spain.

The scrutinized Chelsea striker is a primary transfer target for La Liga outfit Sevilla, according to ESPN's Eduardo Fernandez-Abascal. The Spaniard's agent has reportedly flown to London to discuss a potential loan move to the Andalusian club this month.

Morata's representative met Sevilla director Joaquin Caparros at the start of this week to ascertain the club's interest, and Caparros subsequently confirmed to Spanish media he wants to sign Morata, saying: "It is true that we have monitored Morata's situation but it's also true that it's a very, very complex operation because of the cost of the transfer."

He added: "It's true that he may want to move to Sevilla above other options but I reiterate that it's a hugely difficult move because Chelsea is a difficult club to negotiate with."

Sevilla manager Pablo Machin appears enamored with the idea of having Morata installed as his target man in attack. "Having Morata would be a good problem for me - or I'll even take away the word problem. It would be a blessing for me," he explained.

However, Machin's men may face stiff competition.

La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid are pursuing a loan-to-buy deal for the former Real Madrid man, according to The Independent's Miguel Delaney. Los Rojiblancos are reportedly hoping to take advantage of good relations between themselves and Chelsea, as well as Sevilla's reluctance to pay up in full, in order to get a deal done.

Meanwhile, The Telegraph's Matt Law suggests Morata's Blues teammates believe he is desperate to end his time at Stamford Bridge, and asserts that Chelsea will sanction his January departure if they can replace him up front this month.

Morata has scored just nine goals in 24 games for Chelsea this season but has a proven track record in Spain, having hit 20 goals in his last season with Real Madrid. According to Spanish outlet AS, Morata is eager to return to La Liga on a short-term basis, and Sevilla have offered to pay more than half of the striker's considerable wages. ABC Sevilla's Fran Montes de Oca claims Morata "does not want anything else" other than a move to the Sanchez Pizjuan.

Alongside Wissam Ben Yedder and Andre Silva, he would add another dimension in attack for a Sevilla team sitting third in La Liga and also still competing in the Europa League and Copa del Rey.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have been linked with the likes of AC Milan's Gonzalo Higuain as they look for an upgrade in attack.