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Sevilla manager Vincenzo Montella has revealed Roque Mesa has played less than he expected since his January loan switch from Swansea City - but hinted he sees a future for the midfielder in Spain beyond this season.

The Italian manager was speaking ahead of Sevilla's Champions League quarter-final tie against Bayern Munich.

Mesa will not be involved against the Bavarians - with the former Las Palmas man having only featured twice for his temporary employers since joining them on deadline day.

Montella justified his stance on Mesa and fellow loan signing Everton's Sandro Ramirez, who also hasn't seen much game-time in La Liga.

Marca reported recently that Sevilla had been disappointed with Mesa's physical condition when he joined them in January, perhaps understandable given his lack of minutes and injury problems during his brief stint in South Wales.

Montella said both "are growing a lot physically and still have time to be able to demonstrate next year at Sevilla", hinting that the Spanish side will look to keep the midfielder on next season.

Of his two loan signings from the Premier League, he added: "I know perfectly well how communication works.

"Everything depends on the context. I have an excellent relationship with (director of football) Óscar Arias and we plan together in January.

(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

"I feel united to him in the choices we made. There is no problem. The signings are growing a lot on a physical level.

"Sandro had not played for months and we are taking him to the physical level of the team.

"Then there is a growth of the team that makes you think that you need certain players. I still believe in Sandro or Roque Mesa even though they played less than I expected. They still have time to show what they are worth."

Mesa's time in SA1 was disappointing to say the least and he struggled to make an impact under both Paul Clement and Carlos Carvalhal.

There is an option for Carvalhal to remain in charge beyond the end of the season and it is hard to see Mesa being a part of his plans should the ex-Sheffield Wednesday boss stay in situ as expected.