Journalist Xavi Jorquera Márquez of Cadena SER has made a major Tottenham Hotspur exit claim involving midfielder Giovani Lo Celso as Villarreal eye a permanent deal.
The Lowdown: Emery eyes permanent deal...
The Argentina international was a revelation for Villarreal and manager Unai Emery after joining them on a temporary spell in January for the second half of 2021/2022, prompting their interest in snapping up Lo Celso permanently.
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Fabrizio Romano backs that the La Liga side wish to seal a deal for Lo Celso who appears to no longer be in manager Antonio Conte's plans, coming as he eyes a major overhaul at N17.
The Premier League side, as per a major update from Márquez, have agreed a deal 'in principle' to sell Lo Celso.
The Latest: Marquez makes major claim...
According to the reporter, taking to Twitter, the permanent deal 'will close' for around €15-18 million (£13m-£15m) plus bonuses.
What's more, Villarreal have apparently decided on the date of his signing announcement - if all 'goes well'.
Marquez explained:
"The last fringes of the signing of Lo Celso for Villarreal are closing,
"In principle, the deal will close at 15-18 million (approx) plus bonus.
"Tottenham initially asked for 24, Villarreal has already decided on the date of the announcement, if all goes well."
The Verdict: Big claim...
Fabio Paratici, tasked with backing Conte in the market, will also have to find a way to balance Tottenham's books with outgoings - even despite their major £15om equity increase.
News of Lo Celso's close departure will go some way to doing this, but the disappointment for supporters will be losing the South American for such a meagre fee - especially given Spurs have allegedly handed a Villarreal a big discount.
In other news: 'Not only Perisic' - Tottenham push for 'genius' signing as after Conte call 'in recent days'...find out more here.