Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano is a step closer to renewing his contract with the Spanish club despite rumoured interest from a number of clubs.The Brazil international's future at Sevilla has been the source of much speculation this season, with the in-form striker being closely linked with a move to the Premier League during the January transfer window.

Nothing came of that, but the player's future remains a hot topic, not least since last week when the 27-year-old admitted his family were unsettled in Seville after being the victims of an armed robbery at their home in February.

But on Tuesday the Primera Liga top-scorer claimed he was happy in Seville and hoped to sort out an extension to his current deal set to expire in 2009 regardless of whether or not the club manages a top-four finish this season.

"I'm happy with my contract and I'm not going to ask for something which Sevilla can't pay," he told Spanish newspaper Marca. "I'd like them to offer me three seasons more and it seems that is the club's intention.

"Of course, my decision will be in no way influenced by whether the team has Champions League football or not."

A setback in negotiations with the club is the fact that a percentage of Luis Fabiano's contract is owned by investment company MSI, who want Sevilla to sell the player in order for them to make some money on their stake in the player.

"I want to remain in Seville but they (MSI) know that if they don't sell me now they won't make anything," the Brazilian admitted. "They are putting a lot of pressure on, and I hope the problem between the team and the group gets resolved.

"I want to finish my contract with Sevilla, finish the season and start the next one.

"The only thing remaining for us to be able to renew the contract is the part which involves the group, who cannot be left out of this.

"We will have to go over the contract signed with them to find out if there are any clauses which may complicate the situation."

Finally the 27-year-old admitted that comments made by his agent Jose Fuentes last week, who labelled Sevilla coach Manolo Jimenez as "incompetent" and "inexpert", were made without his prior knowledge.

"I didn't even know he had spoken to the press," Luis Fabiano said.

"It wasn't the time to be making declarations because Sevilla are trying to get into the Champions League and the comments made were a bit harsh."

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