Southampton are reportedly eager to sign Celta Vigo’s La Liga midfielder and Slovakia international Stanislav Lobotka.
Fans of Celta Vigo will be counting down the minutes until the England transfer window slams shut on Thursday. Because three of their key players, Maxi Gomez, Hugo Mallo and Stanislav Lobotka, are being heavily linked with an eleventh hour move to the Premier League.
And it seems that the chase for Lobotka, in particular, is hotting up.
La Voz de Galicia are reporting that Tottenham Hotspur have been in discussions over a move for the highly-rated midfielder since Monday. But, interestingly, the report adds that Lobotka is only seen as a back-up option for Mauricio Pochettino.
Southampton, however, have left it in no doubt just how much they want to sign the 23-year-old Slovakia international. It is reported that the Saints have made a club-record bid of £21.5 million for Lobotka.
Celta, however, have rejected their advances. According to The Mirror, Lobotka has a release clause in his contract worth £31 million.
The report had claimed that Tottenham are considering a late bid for Lobotka who, thanks to his energy and excellent range of passing, could be considered a long-term successor for the wantaway Mousa Dembele.
It remains to be seen now whether they will make an offer, or whether Southampton are willing to pay closer to £31 million.
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