By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

25th Aug, 2023 | 7:00pm

Aston Villa pull plug on signing Tottenham star Lo Celso - sources

Aston Villa have cooled their interest in Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso as the transfer deadline approaches, sources have told Football Insider.

The Midlands giants had been keen to add the Argentina international to their ranks as Unai Emery looked to improve his attacking options.

Emiliano Buendia has also been consigned to a huge injury layoff, which further fuelled speculation about a potential deal for Lo Celso.

Nicolo Zaniolo has arrived at Villa Park on a season-long loan from Roma following Buendia’s injury.

Lo Celso has been an unused substitute for both of Tottenham’s fixtures so far in the 2023-24 campaign.

It is believed that La Liga giants Barcelona have emerged as a potential destination for the midfielder following Villa’s withdrawal.

The 27-year-old spent last season on loan at Villarreal, notching two goals and three assists in 29 outings across all competitions.

He is a favourite of Villa boss Emery, who managed him for 86 games at Paris Saint-Germain and Villarreal.

Lo Celso remains under contract until June 2025 at Tottenham, where he has managed eight goals and six assists in 84 games.

He cost a reported fee of £42.3million when he joined from Real Betis in 2020.

Aston Villa have moved to add Zaniolo, Youri Tielemans, Moussa Diaby and Pau Torres so far this summer.

The Midlands giants are on course to play Europa Conference League football this season after beating Hibernian in the first leg of their playoff clash on Wednesday (23 August).

In other news, Aston Villa star set to be out for up to a month.