Sources: Tottenham open talks to sign £50m-valued Costa as part-exchange deal discussed
Tottenham have opened preliminary talks with Sevilla over signing centre-back Diego Carlos with Giovani Lo Celso going the other way, Football Insider understands.
The London giants are in the market for a new central defender in the final week of the window as they accelerate their transfer push.
A Spurs source has told Football Insider that they have now turned their attention to Carlos, who is valued at £50m by Sevilla.
Spurs are looking to sweeten the deal for the 28-year-old by offering cash and Lo Celso in part-exchange.
Newcastle United have pushed hard to sign Carlos this month despite Sevilla insisting the defender will stay in Spain.
The north-east outfit have submitted a series of £30million-plus offers that have been knocked back.
Tottenham could have an advantage over their Premier League rivals as they are an established top-six club and can offer former La Liga star Lo Celso in part-exchange.
The midfielder has slipped down the pecking order at the Londoners and was omitted from the matchday squad for last Sunday’s 2-0 Premier League defeat to Chelsea.
Football Insider revealed on Monday that Antonio Conte has given the green light for Lo Celso to find a new club after growing frustrated at his pre-match preparation and inability to follow tactical instructions.
Carlos, who won a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics with Brazil last summer, has made 29 starts among 30 appearances in all competitions for Sevilla this season.
Significantly, he is experienced at the top level and started all six of the Spanish club’s Champions League matches before Christmas.
In other news, Tottenham are in talks to sign striker as surprise bid submitted.