Real Betis’ in-demand midfielder Giovani Lo Celso is ready to snub the advances of Manchester United in favour of Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham Hotspur.
Manchester United’s transfer business this summer has been rather slow, as the club are yet to show their intent by signing key stars. While the club have several targets lined up, they are set to be disappointed in the pursuit of a key midfield target. According to The Sun, Real Betis midfielder Giovani Lo Celso is ready to reject a move to Manchester United in favour of Tottenham Hotspur.
With the future of midfielder Paul Pogba in significant doubt, United were looking at several players including Lo Celso, to bring some energy into their midfield. Additionally, they were also looking for a midfielder to replace the departed Ander Herrera who joined PSG on a free transfer. Lo Celso fits the current requirement at Old Trafford, but the player has other ideas.
With United missing out on a place in next season’s Champions League, the club have not been able to attract the players they would have otherwise. However, with other big clubs also interested in signing Lo Celso, the Argentine does not have a shortage of options ahead of a summer move.
The report suggests, Lo Celso prefers a move to United’s Premier League rival, Tottenham. The idea of playing under Mauricio Pochettino is quite enticing for the Argentine midfielder. Moreover, Tottenham hold the added advantage of Champions League football next season.
Lo Celso was playing for Betis last season on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The La Liga side exercised their option to purchase him outright for £20 million. Betis potentially want £60 million for Lo Celso and if they sell him would make a massive profit on the Argentine. Lo Celso had an exceptional season, scoring 16 goals in all competitions.
Manchester United are widely expected to meet the price Betis are demanding, but Tottenham chairman, Daniel Levy is refusing to do so. Levy will not entertain the thought of paying over the odds, especially £60 million for the midfielder. Spurs have already made a headline signing with a €60 million move for midfielder Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon, and Pochettino wants Lo Celso to boost his options.
However, with Levy not interested in paying a high price and the player wanting to move to North London, things could get complicated. Furthermore, Levy is prepared to offer Erik Lamela as part of a deal. However, Betis are thought to be close to signing Lyon’s Nabil Fekir as a replacement. Reports suggest Lo Celso’s transfer might depend on the France international’s transfer to Betis.
Lo Celso might represent a good buy for Spurs if a transfer is to happen. He could have added much-needed creativity to Manchester United as well, but him choosing Spurs might be due to the attraction to play under Pochettino. The coming days might give us a clear idea on Lo Celso’s next destination, although by all counts it does looks like the Premier League.
