Real Betis sporting director Ramon Planes has confirmed that Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Giovani Lo Celso is on the club’s radar.
Returning from his loan stint at Villarreal, Lo Celso faces a decisive summer as his future continues to be a subject of speculation.
Spurs manager Ange Postocoglou wants to study the Argentine midfielder during pre-season, but the chances of his departure are higher than continuing with the club.
Betis have been credited as one of the potential suitors for Lo Celso, who had a spell with the Seville-based club between 2018 and 2020 before joining Spurs.
Planes has backed the reports, revealing that Betis are monitoring Lo Celso’s situation.
“Lo Celso is a high-level player,” Planes told Marca. “Today it’s not time to talk about him, but I’ve said it, we have to be vigilant.
“A good sports management must be and if that option appears like that of another great player we have to have the option open. But we are at a very early market moment to talk about that.”
Betis have identified Lo Celso as a potential replacement for Sergio Canales, who has signed for Mexican side Monterrey in an expensive deal.
Barcelona have also been credited with an interest in the 27-year-old, with Xavi an admirer of his style of play.
However, the chances are slim as Barca are no longer interested in signing a midfielder following Oriol Romeu’s arrival from Girona.
Serie A Champions Napoli are also keeping tabs on Lo Celso, but they haven’t taken any significant steps towards his pursuit.
The former Paris Saint-Germain star could remain in the Premier League as Aston Villa are also keeping an eye on him.
There is a genuine possibility that Lo Celso could move to Villa Park as he could reunite with Unai Emery, who he worked with at Villarreal.
Betis have been proactive in the transfer window, completing the loan move of Marc Roca from Leeds United and re-signing Marc Bartra.
They have also secured the permanent transfer of Ayoze Perez, who spent the second half of the last season on loan with them.
