Tottenham Hotspur star edging closer to La Liga switch as Fiorentina decide against move

Spanish club Villarreal now look set to sign Tottenham Hotspur star Giovani Lo Celso after Fiorentina withdrew their interest in the Argentina international.

There had been reported suggesting the Serie A outfit were ‘gaining confidence’ they could beat Villarreal to the signing of the former Paris Saint-Germain and Real Betis player.

Sky Italia claimed La Viola would offer Spurs an initial £1.68million to take the winger on loan, with an option to make the deal permanent in a £16.8million move at the end of the season.

The report also suggested Villarreal would be unable to complete a move for Lo Celso due to La Liga’s financial fair play rules, despite having an agreement with the player.

However, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has given an update with quotes providing by Fiorentina sporting director Daniele Prade.

He confirmed the club were ‘no longer’ looking to take Lo Celso to Italy and Romano confirmed a deal with Villarreal was ‘well advanced’ and described the winger as ‘top priority’ for manager Unai Emery.

Lo Celso joined Villarreal on loan during the second half of last season and scored one goal and provided one assist in 21 appearances in all competitions for Emery’s side.

Speaking at the time of his temporary move to Spain, Lo Celso told Spanish outlet Marca: “I had contact with the coach at the time (of the signing).

“But as soon as possible I want to put myself under his orders and to meet my new teammates because they have spoken very highly of the group.

“We have high expectations in a league that I really like and a league I have great memories in”.

It now seems his temporary move to Villarreal will be converted into a permanent deal by the time the summer transfer window comes to a close.