Sergio Sanchez’s agent says the defender will most probably leave Malaga at the end of the season after being unable to agree terms.
The 29-year-old centre-back, who joined the Costa del Sol outfit from Sevilla in June 2011, has been the subject of speculation in recent months that he would depart La Rosaleda, with his representative Pepe Mesas now appearing to confirm the reports.
“We’ve met with Malaga on four or five occasions and to date we’ve not reached an agreement that is satisfactory to all parties,” he told Deportes Cope Malaga.
“Right now I’d say that he will not continue here. We haven’t been able to come to an arrangement but we are grateful to Malaga for how they’ve treated Sergio.
“His level of commitment has been great but we are a long way away from a deal. It’s been a series of long negotiations but in the end, unfortunately, it has not come to fruition for either Malaga or Sergio.
“The intention on both sides was for him to continue because he considers Malaga his home, but we’ve always remained the same distance away from an agreement, neither closer nor further to one.
“We all know how the economic situation is in the country and in football. Malaga have their salary cap and there is a limit to what they will pay. Sergio has a contract from earlier, although he is not one of the best paid, but the club now has another policy.”
Mesas says that the Barcelona province-born player has not encountered any animosity from the fans during the protracted talks.
“The supporters have never said anything negative because he is loved and respected. Ask any Malaguista and they’d tell you they want him to stay.
“When he retires he is going to come back and live in Malaga, so maybe he will cross paths with the club again.
“But right now we are moving forward with three or four interested teams, yet at the moment I want to be cautious,” he concluded.
