The arrival of Jose Mourinho at Tottenham could halt the progress of a permanent deal for Giovani Lo Celso, according to reports.
Lo Celso, a deadline-day signing from Real Betis, has only managed two starts this season after picking up a hip injury while on international duty with Argentina in September.
Including his two starts, Lo Celso has made eight appearances in all competitions but has failed to feature in either of Mourinho’s first two matches as Spurs boss, despite being on the bench.
And Estadio Deportivo (via Sport Witness) claims that having paid Betis €16m to loan Lo Celso for the season, Tottenham have the option to either make it permanent in January for €32m plus bonuses or wait until the summer when they can pay €40m.
The report adds that the arrival of Mourinho ‘slows’ the permanent transfer of Lo Celso to Spurs as the Portuguese coach works out where the attacking midfielder fits into his plans.
Mauricio Pochettino, who was sacked last week, fully backed making the deal permanent in the summer but reports have previously claimed that they only have to make it into a full transfer if they qualify for the Champions League.
Spurs are currently 10th, nine points off fourth-placed Chelsea after a poor return from their opening 13 matches of the Premier League campaign.