Journalist Xavi Jorquera Márquez of Cadena SER is adamant that Tottenham Hotspur have reached an 'agreement' over the permanent departure of midfielder Giovani Lo Celso.

The Lowdown: Lo Celso on the way?

As backed by reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano, Villarreal are interested in re-signing the Argentine on a permanent deal from the Premier League club after his brilliant spell on loan at the Estadio de la Cerámica.

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Lo Celso spent the second half of 2021/2022 on a temporary spell in La Liga under former Arsenal boss Unai Emery, thriving in their Champions League campaign in particular. Indeed, the South American averaged their second-most key passes and completed dribbles per 90 over six starts on their run to the semi-finals before being knocked out by Liverpool (WhoScored).

As such, the La Liga side are keen to snap him up indefinitely, with Marquez adamant that they have already agreed a fee with Tottenham.

The Latest: Marquez makes Lo Celso claim...

The reporter has said that, despite claims to the contrary, an 'agreement' between Spurs and Villarreal 'exists', with the fee 'already' discussed and specified.

He explained (via Twitter, translated from Spanish):

"Despite some, I still keep the same info.

The agreement between Villarreal and Tottenham exists and the amount has already been discussed and specified.

And I respect and always will respect the information of other journalists. that will never fail."

The Verdict: Interesting...

Reiterating Marquez's previous claim, Spurs have apparently agreed a deal in principle to sell Lo Celso for around €15m-€18m (£13m-£15m) plus bonuses.

Villarreal have also allegedly decided on the date of the announcement 'if all goes well', and as the Lilywhites seek to back Conte in the transfer market summer, it is also imperative that they make money through sales.

Paratici must balance the books, and managing to offload Lo Celso this early would come as a boost. This development may well be one to keep an eye upon over the coming weeks.

In other news: Paratici eyeing Spurs move for 'sensational' £75m man who Pep called 'quality'...find out more here.