Spurs midfielder wanted by Villarreal but La Liga side must sell first

Dan Butterfield
Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso

La Liga side Villarreal are interested in a move for Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso but they must move someone on before they can complete a deal.

Giovani is one of a number of players no included in Spurs plans under Antonio Conte with the likes of Dele Alli and Tanguy Ndombele also available for a move.


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Lo Celso is into his third season with the north-London club but has seen his playing time decrease every season. The Argentine midfielder has only made nine appearances this season after the 17 and 27 he made in the two season prior.

Lyon are reportedly discussing a loan deal with Spurs for Lo Celso, as reported by Fabrizio Lo Celso.

However, according to Spanish outlet AS (via InsideFutbol) Villarreal could now make a move for the midfielder with the player himself keen on a return to Spain. The Argentine previously played for Real Betis before joining Spurs

Villarreal boss Unai Emery sees Lo Celso as a top midfielder that can help them kick on this season but will only be able to bring the player to the club if they can get someone out before the deadline.

Meanwhile, Paul Merson has named the ‘perfect’ club for Lo Celso’s teammate Ndombele. 

Writing in his column in the Daily Star, Merson claimed: “Tanguy Ndombele would fit right in at PSG because they’re like the Harlem Globe Trotters of football.

“He could get away with how he plays at PSG, in a French league that’s so much less demanding. But he can’t get away with it at Tottenham.

“He’s a showboater. He’s a Match of the Day player. He’ll have good highlights but is never going to run the game. He’s not a winner.

“He’s been a big disappointment at Spurs. Sometimes you watch him and think: ‘Wow, this guy can play.’ But the next minute, you wonder on earth he’s doing.

“PSG are just perfect for him. Go there, do a couple of Cruyff turns, a couple of Maradonas every now and then, you’ll be fine. That’s what the game’s like over there.

“And PSG want a team of showboaters. You can’t tell me Ndombele is winning them the Champions League. That he’s going to make the difference. That is not going to happen.

“He’s not an Antonio Conte player at all. Conte won’t have that. So I’d be shocked if he ever plays for Tottenham too many more times.

“Spurs spent £50-odd million on him. And he’s done nothing. But no-one’s really talking about it. They wasted all that money. Unbelievable.”