Sevilla keep hold of Alves

Daniel Alves has ended speculation over his future by signing a one-year extension to his contract with Spanish league leaders Sevilla FC. The Brazilian international, who had been linked with Real Madrid CF and Liverpool FC, is now under contract with the UEFA Cup holders until June 2012.

Progress
The 23-year-old has made quite an impression at Sevilla since initially signing on loan from EC Bahia in January 2003. Comfortable playing at either right back or on the right side of midfield, he has already made 123 league appearances and played a crucial role in Sevilla's UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup successes in 2006.

Brazil cap
He was voted Most Valuable Player of the 2005/06 UEFA Cup and followed that up by being selected as Most Valuable Player in the UEFA Super Cup final after starring in the 3-0 win over FC Barcelona. A call up to the Brazil squad followed soon after and he made his international debut in a 2-1 win against Ecuador on 10 October.

Spanish leaders
Alves scored his first league goal of the season in Wednesday’s 4-0 win against RC Deportivo La Coruña. The Andalusian side go into the winter break three points clear at the top of the Primera División.