Tottenham reject chance to sign two stars as Pochettino eyes improved Lo Celso bid

Posted Wednesday, June 12, 2019 by Dailystar.co.uk

Real Betis are holding out for the full £88.9m release clause in the Argentina midfielder's contract.

The Spanish club this week rejected Tottenham's opening offer, which it is claimed amounted to no more than £35m up front with the rest in add-ons.

But Spurs are willing to wait to get their man – and have rejected the chance to go after a number of other options.

Sevilla star Pablo Sarabia and Paris St-Germain misfit Julian Draxler were both offered to Spurs, but the north Londoners are not interested either player.

They want Lo Celso, who had 16 goals and six assists in all competitions last season, while Sporting Lisbon's Bruno Fernandes also remains on their radar.

Betis are hoping that Lo Celso enjoys a good Copa America playing alongside Lionel Messi for Argentina.

They believe if their man stars in the tournament, which runs until July 7, it could flush out more interest and result in a bidding war.

Tottenham are looking at a long list of attacking midfielders because of Christian Eriksen's admission he wants to leave.

Tottenham reject chance to sign two stars as Pochettino eyes improved Lo Celso bid
Pochettino will continue to pursue Lo Celso despite his huge release clause (Pic: GETTY)

Tottenham reject chance to sign two stars as Pochettino eyes improved Lo Celso bid
Tottenham have turned down the possibility of signing Draxler (Pic: GETTY)

But they have no interest in Germany star Draxler, who is surplus to requirements in Paris after a bust-up with star man Neymar.

And they will also not be pursuing Sarabia, who had 23 goals and 17 assists in all competitions for Sevilla last season.

Mauricio Pochettino wants Tottenham to show him the money this summer, but is also prepared to let a series of players leave in the biggest squad shake-up at the club in years.

But club insiders are mystified at Danny Rose's comments on England duty when he cast doubt on his future at the club, insisting no decisions have yet been taken over the full back.