Fabrizio Romano revealed Tottenham have compiled a transfer shortlist containing “three or four” names, with one destined to replace a dwindling club icon once signed.
Spurs suffered a home league defeat in the north London derby for the first time since 2014 on Sunday. Arsenal blitzed Tottenham in the first half, with the difference in intensity evident for all to see.
The deadlock was broken following neat work from Bukayo Saka down the right flank. Saka stole half a yard on Ryan Sessegnon before his slightly deflected cross was fumbled into his own goal by Hugo Lloris.
It was the French veteran’s third error leading to a goal in the Premier League this season. No other EPL player has registered more than two errors leading to a goal in the campaign thus far, and no other goalkeeper has more than one in that category.
The 36-year-old is clearly a player on the decline and calls have begun to grow for Lloris to be replaced. Sky Sports’ Tottenham specialist, Lyall Thomas, is of the belief Lloris is breeding uncertainty throughout Conte’s “entire team”.
He’s been the main man between the sticks at Tottenham ever since his arrival from Lyon in 2012. However, Spurs handing the stopper a new deal in January of last year now looks a mistake.
His current deal expires in the summer of 2024, though according to Fabrizio Romano, he’s likely to be ousted well in advance.
Lloris time coming to a close
Writing for CaughtOffside, the trusted transfer guru claimed Tottenham are considering their options in the market and have compiled a three or four-man shortlist of potential replacements.
However, Romano stressed Lloris is likely to remain in situ until the end of the season. Other moves will first take precedence, such as for Pedro Porro, with a new stopper on the backburner until the summer.
“Spurs are also considering a new goalkeeper,” said Romano. “There are three or four names on the list at Tottenham.
“But they’re focused on January window, it’s too early to say who’s going be the new goalkeeper. Full focus is on January.”
Romano stopped short of naming who is on Spurs’ shortlist, though other sources and publications have put names forward.
Four readymade names on Tottenham radar
The latest in the frame is Brentford’s David Raya, according to the Telegraph. The Spain international has 18 months left on his deal at Brentford and if he refuses to pen fresh terms, a summer move will be easier to make.
Everton’s Jordan Pickford and Leeds United’s Illan Meslier are other, readymade stoppers who’ve been touted alongside a move to Tottenham. Indeed, the Athletic’s Phil Hay reported Spurs were mulling a move for Meslier
Furthermore, TEAMtalk exclusively learned back in early-November Meslier and Pickford were under consideration. Our transfer insider, Graeme Bailey, also put Brighton’s Robert Sanchez in the mix.
In any case, the one thing those four targets all have in common is they’re both Premier League-based and proven in England’s top flight. Clearly, Antonio Conte and co. want a player who’ll make an instant impact when Lloris’ time is up.
Whoever Spurs plump for, one thing seems certain, a new No 1 goalkeeper will be installed for the first time in over a decade next season.
Source: teamtalk
