Can Alan Pardew lead Southampton back to the Championship? Tom Powell previews the betting.

Sevilla have confirmed a loan deal for Luca Cigarini has been delayed after the Napoli midfielder fell ill.

Cigarini was due to travel to Spain to undergo a medical ahead of a season-long loan deal with a view to a permanent move to La Liga.

However, the 24-year-old has been forced to rest and advised not to travel to Andalusia on Tuesday due to “an inopportune fever”.

“Sevilla are going to use the services of Italian midfielder Luca Cigarini, once the player passes a medical examination and signs all documents,” read a Sevilla statement.

“An agreement in principle has been reached between Napoli, the owner of the player, and Sevilla.

“Cigarini will arrive at Sevilla on loan with the option to purchase the player at the end of the campaign. It would be a contract for a further four seasons with the club.”

Earlier on Tuesday his agent, Giovanni Bia, said that “Luca is very happy with the prospect of playing for Sevilla, he is looking forward to the new season tremendously.”

The midfielder joined Napoli from Atalanta last summer, but has been linked with a move away from the club for the past six months.

Can Alan Pardew lead Southampton back to the Championship? Tom Powell previews the betting.

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