Football Insider have revealed that Villarreal are now close to completing the signing of Giovani Lo Celso on a permanent deal after Tottenham decided to lower their asking price for the midfielder.
Lo Celso thrived during his loan spell at Villarreal in the second half of the season and the Argentine is said to be Unai Emery’s number one target this summer (El Periodico Mediterraneo).
Radio Castellon journalist Xavi Jorquera Marquez claimed on Monday that Villarreal had reached an agreement with Spurs on a transfer fee of €18m (£15.3m) plus €6m (£5.1m) in bonuses for the former Real Betis man.
However, this was subsequently denied by The Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick, who stated that no such deal had been finalised.
Football Insider have claimed that Villarreal are now in ‘advanced talks’ with Spurs over a deal for Lo Celso, with the La Liga club also said to have held extensive talks with the midfielder’s representatives.
It is explained that Tottenham initially wanted £30m for the 26-year-old but have now lowered their demands to around £20m. The two clubs are thus thought to be close to an agreement.
Spurs Web Opinion
If it is true that Spurs have reduced their asking price for Lo Celso by £10m, that shows that the North London club are keen to shift some of their deadwood.
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In the past, what has crippled our attempts to sell our fringe players is the club’s refusal to accept a fee that they deem to be the player’s value.
However, given the major rebuilding job that is required this summer, Spurs are seemingly more willing to accept modest fees to get some players off their wage bill.
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