Seville fuelled speculation over the future of Daniel Alves by leaving the Brazilian international right back out of their team for Wednesday's Champions League tie at AEK Athens.

Alves, 24, has been targeted by both Chelsea and Spanish outfit Real Madrid.

"He's not in the list and it's clear that his absence is important," Juande Ramos, the Seville coach said. "He's a player wanted by both Real Madrid and Chelsea, so you see how important he is. You always miss a player of that stature."

If Alves plays on Wednesday he would not be eligible to play Champions League football with his future club this season. But Ramos has insisted that was not the reason he was omitted.

"He won't be in shape to help the team, it's not worth forcing him, you only work when your heart is in it," he said. "But he hasn't said goodbye to us yet, nothing is sealed. We have to be patient and wait to see what happens."

Jose Maria del Nido, the Seville president, said on Friday they have turned down two offers of over £20 million for the player.

Real Madrid are reported to have made an offer of 20 million euros plus Brazilian right back Cicinho, and Brazilian striker Julio Baptista could also be part of the deal.

But despite Jose Mourinho, the Chelsea manager, insisting they won't break the bank to sign the Brazilian they have the edge with superior spending power.

Chelsea could finance the purchase with the sale of Dutch midfielder Arjen Robben to Real Madrid, while Ivorian striker Salomon Kalou could also be a makeweight in the deal.

Alves has been part of Seville's most successful run in nearly 60 years, winning back-to-back Uefa Cups in the last two seasons. Seville also lead Real Madrid 1-0 on aggregate in the Spanish Supercup, with the second leg to be played on Sunday.

Alves, who has scored 11 goals in 160 league games, joined Seville from Brazilian side Bahia in 2002.