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Unai Emery to leave Sevilla with Jorge Sampaoli in talks to replace him

Unai Emery celebrates after Sevilla's success
Image: Unai Emery is leaving Sevilla after a successful spell at the club

Unai Emery is leaving Sevilla after a three-and-a-half year stint as head coach, with the Spanish club set to open talks with former Chile boss Jorge Sampaoli.

Emery had a year left to run on his existing contract at the Europa League champions, but has decided to call time on his spell in southern Spain. 

The 44-year-old has been linked with several clubs in Europe, including French champions Paris Saint-Germain and Premier League Everton. 

Sampaoli, who has never coached in Europe, will hold discussions with Sevilla officials over the vacant managerial position on Monday. 

Jorge Sampaoli, ex ct del Cile, ha incontrato a Roma il presidente della Lazio Claudio Lotito (foto Getty)
Image: Jorge Sampaoli is in talks to replace Emery at Sevilla

"Emery's intention is to, throughout this week, resolve unilaterally his contract with Sevilla because of his wish not to continue as coach of the first team for the 2016-17 campaign," Sevilla confirmed in a club statement. 

"Following the Basque coach's irrevocable decision to terminate his contract with Sevilla, the club has moved to find his successor.

"Former Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli will arrive in Seville on Monday to begin talks with the club."

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According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Emery will compensate Sevilla by paying €2m (£1.6m) to be released from his current contract.

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Emery joined Sevilla in January 2013 and has steered the club to three straight Europa League titles, defeating Liverpool 3-1 in this year's final in May.

Sevilla finished seventh in La Liga in the 2015-16 campaign but as Europa League champions, will play in the Champions League next season.

Sampaoli has been out of a job since resigning as Chile coach in January. The 56-year-old was on the three-man shortlist for the 2015 FIFA World Coach of the Year after leading his national team to the Copa America title last year, a tournament they hosted.

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