Barcelona’s offers for Lionel Messi rejected by Tottenham as the star player is highly valued
Ange Postecoglou is reportedly eager to keep hold of Giovani Lo Celso this month (Image: GETTY). Tottenham are reportedly not interested in striking a deal with Barcelona to sell Giovani Lo Celso, who was once recommended to the Catalan giants by none other than Lionel Messi. Lo Celso has struggled for regular minutes under Ange Postecoglou this season, with a string of injury problems contributing to his lack of action. The Argentine midfielder spent 18 months on loan at Villarreal before Postecoglou arrived in the summer and has been linked with another move away before the end of this month. They have repeatedly spoken to Tottenham about a potential loan move for Lo Celso but it seems as though he will not be leaving north London before the window closes next week.
Tottenham’s hierarchy were reportedly left frustrated by what they felt were ‘lowball’ offers from Barcelona, who are now said to be exploring other avenues. The financial terms of the proposed loan deal fell short of what Spurs were looking for, with their refusal to do business meaning that Lo Celso is set to remain on their books. Lo Celso was reportedly the subject of loan offers from Barcelona earlier this month (Image: GETTY).
The 27-year-old is thought to be happy at Tottenham and is enjoying life under Postecoglou, who has been transparent with him in discussions about his playing time. Lo Celso revealed earlier this month that he was thankful for the support he has been given by his manager following a conversation over the summer, in which Postecoglou said that he wanted the midfielder to stay. “I was really grateful for his belief in me, so I worked hard and showed every day that I wanted to be here and play,” said Lo Celso. “I’ve felt really comfortable in training and in the way he coaches. I love his idea of football which gave me the belief that I could find a place in his team. “The coaching staff have helped as well as my team-mates. It’s a personal challenge for my career, but the coach’s plan and philosophy is helping me improve my game because he asks me and wants me to do specific things in my role. Things have been going great. He’s made me feel very confident and comfortable since he joined.”
Lo Celso was previously recommended to Barcelona by Messi, with AS reporting last year that he named the Tottenham midfielder as the best player in Argentina’s national team. Want the latest Premier League news as we publish it on Express Sport? Join our Facebook group by clicking here.
