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Breaking news: Tottenham make £53 million bid for Giovani Lo Celso

By Gary Pearson

SEVILLE, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 07: Daniel Parejo of Valencia CF duels for the ball with Giovani Lo Celso of Real Betis during the Copa del Semi Final first leg match between Real Betis and Valencia at Estadio Benito Villamarin on February 07, 2019 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 07: Daniel Parejo of Valencia CF duels for the ball with Giovani Lo Celso of Real Betis during the Copa del Semi Final first leg match between Real Betis and Valencia at Estadio Benito Villamarin on February 07, 2019 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images) /
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According to the BBC, Tottenham are reported to have made a club-record £53 million bid for Real Betis’ midfielder Giovani Lo Celso.

This attempt to bring the highly touted midfielder to north London would far exceed the £42 million Spurs paid for Davinson Sánchez in May 2017. Tottenham have not dipped into the transfer market since signing Lucas Moura from PSG about 16 months ago.

Although a big-money attempt to bring Lo Celso appears to be underway, most experts believe it will cost almost £90 million to secure the Argentine’s services.

Matt Davis of BBC said:

"“Lo Celso has a £88 million release clause, and it is understood Betis want to sell him for a fee closer to that amount.”"

As you’d expect for a high-value player, Spurs are not the only potential suitors to land the 23-year-old, who was on loan last season from PSG. Real Betis made the move permanent, but they are now facing stiff competition to keep him from Spurs, Manchester United and Real Madrid.

With constant question marks shrouding Christian Eriksen’s future, Spurs believe Lo Celso would replace the Dane competently in the centre of midfield. He bagged 16 goals in all competitions in 2018-19, and is most comfortable in a deeper role, allowing him to make longer penetrating runs that often unnerve the opposition.

The five goals he scored in the Europa League also helped Lo Celso appeal to would-be suitors. WhoScored.com can’t find any weaknesses to the 23 year old’s game, a testament to how far he’s come since starting his career Rosario Central, who ply their trade in Argentina’s first division.

While unconfirmed by Spurs, it’s unlikely Tottenham will enter a bidding war with the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid, particularly if the asking price exceeds £70 million. However, if Eriksen’s departure is imminent, Tottenham could use that money to pay a higher price.

Next. Happy anniversary to the messiah of managers, Mauricio Pochettino. dark

Eriksen’s current valuation is about the same, £70 – £80 million. Although most Spurs supporters see Eriksen as an irreplaceable commodity, Lo Celso has the skills to put the world on notice.

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