After two other suitors surface, Tottenham responds to Barcelona’s keen interest in the unnoticed talent……..

Giovani Lo Celso, a January exit for Barcelona is officially ruled out by Tottenham Hotspur, according to reports.

Following Gavi’s ACL injury, which will keep him out of action for the remainder of the season, Lo Celso has been connected to Barcelona. The Argentina international strikes a chord with Xavi’s team having previously appeared in La Liga for Real Betis and Villarreal.

According to reports, Barcelona may attempt to persuade Tottenham to loan Lo Celso to them for the second half of the season in an effort to increase his market value after he was unable to start a Premier League match under Ange Postecoglou.

Even if a few other La Liga teams have entered the battle to sign Lo Celso, an update from the Evening Standard has stated that Tottenham would reject any deal that is made for him in January.

The source names Atletico Madrid and Real Betis, the team Tottenham first signed Lo Celso from in 2019, as the other contenders to return Lo Celso to the Spanish top division.

Even said, it appears that Tottenham will disappoint all three of the suitors by holding onto the midfield player at least until the summer.

The reason behind their decision is an obvious one: their midfield will also be deprived in the winter when Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr go to the Africa Cup of Nations, representing Mali and Senegal respectively.

Not wanting to leave themselves short, they will not accommodate anyone else who wants to fill a vacancy with Lo Celso – even though he is a slightly more attacking midfielder than those two.

Therefore, the 27-year-old will be hoping for an increased role in the new year, which is not implausible after he impressed during pre-season following his return from the Villarreal loan.

Lo Celso hoping for increase in gametime

Indeed, one of the main reasons Lo Celso has not earned much playing time under Postecoglou is merely his recent injury record.

During his only start of the season so far, in the Carabao Cup against Fulham, Lo Celso had to go off at half time with a hamstring injury, which kept him out of their next four Premier League matches.

As long as he can get back to full fitness, he should finally be able to kickstart his second chance with Spurs from the winter onwards.

To date, Lo Celso has played 88 times for Tottenham – more than any other of his previous clubs – and has scored eight goals and provided six assists.

His contract in north London is only due to last until the end of next season, which will add further incentive for him to perform well between now and the summer when he gets his chance.

With Lo Celso off the menu for Barcelona, the reigning La Liga champions will have to look elsewhere to fill the void left by Gavi.

Other sources have suggested they could accelerate their plans to bring Liverpool veteran Thiago Alcantara back to the club if he can shake off his own injury issues, for example.