Aston Villa could be in the mix for Tottenham outcast Giovani Lo Celso this summer and pay him more than other suitors to tempt him to Villa Park.
That’s according to Estadio Deportivo, who say Monchi is an admirer of the Argentine midfielder, who plans to force an exit from Tottenham in the summer transfer window.
The newspaper explains that Lo Celso has been upset with the lack of opportunities handed to him at Spurs this season and, fearing for his international future, plans to force an exit to a club where he is comfortable and plays regularly.
His current focus is on Spain and either Real Betis or Barcelona, with the former already making moves to bring him back, but Estadio say that Monchi could disrupt that idea.
He was also interested in the midfielder in the January transfer window and ‘could pay him more at Aston Villa’ than Betis would offer in Spain.
The move would also see him reunite with Unai Emery, who he has played for at both Paris Saint Germain and Real Betis. In fact, he’s made more appearances under the Spaniard than any other manager and enjoys a record of eight goals and 10 assists in 86 games under him.
Whether that, plus that potential extra money, is enough to convince him to move to Aston Villa is debatable, though, as Estadio do say that he prioritises returning to La Liga this summer.
Betis are wary of Aston Villa or any other English suitor despite that as they know they can offer more and make life difficult for them.
