Giovani Lo Celso is back on Barcelona’s radar (Getty)
Barcelona are considering a bid to sign Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso in January, according to reports in Spain.
Barca suffered a major setback during the international break as Gavi suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury, which rules him out for the rest of the season.
Xavi had made Lo Celso one of his midfield targets in the summer transfer window but Barca were unable to reach an agreement with Spurs due to their financial restrictions.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Argentina international remains on Barca’s shortlist and will be their first-choice target if they opt to sign a replacement for Gavi in the upcoming transfer window.
The report claims that Barca are also hopeful of registering Brazilian forward Vitor Roque after agreeing a €35 million (£30m) deal with Athletico Paranaense in the summer.
Gavi will miss the rest of Barcelona’s season due to a serious knee injury (AFP via Getty)
Spurs, however, are understood to be keen on keeping Lo Celso until the end of the season.
The 27-year-old is yet to start in the Premier League this season but the injury to James Maddison should see him given more opportunities at Spurs.
Spurs will also lose Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr when the Africa Cup of Nations begins in January.
The Evening Standard reports that Spurs will reject any approach from Barcelona for Lo Celso.
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Barca will be without Gavi for the rest of the season.