Fabrizio Romano claims Spurs’ asking price prevented sale in the summer

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Villarreal could not afford Tottenham’s asking price for Giovani Lo Celso in the summer, which is why the La Liga club ended up re-signing the midfielder on loan.

Lo Celso impressed during his six-month spell at El Madrigal last season and it did not come as a surprise when the Spanish club re-signed the Argentine in the summer.

According to reports, the loan switch contains a break clause for Spurs to end the loan in January if they receive a bid from someone and the player agrees to the move (Football.London).

Football Insider reported this week that Tottenham are willing to sell Lo Celso for a cut-price fee in January since they are keen to get the former Real Betis man off their wage bill. The report asserted that Spurs will accept a fee of around £18m for the 26-year-old when the transfer window reopens.

Romano has now explained that Spurs wanted a fee of around €20m-€25m (£17.2m-£21.5m) for Lo Celso in the summer, and added that the midfielder does not have a future in North London.

The journalist told CaughtOffside: “I expect Giovani Lo Celso’s future lies away from Tottenham.

“His price tag of around €20-25m stopped Villarreal from signing him on a permanent deal this summer, but they love him and he’s key player since returning on loan.

“As of now, there are no talks with Tottenham and the player also wants to focus on the World Cup.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Tottenham will ideally want to cash in on Lo Celso in January as the Argentine is evidently not part of Conte’s plans. However, the midfielder might insist on remaining at Villarreal, and I doubt if the La Liga club would be willing to pay the aforementioned fee, given that they did not do so in the summer.

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