Tottenham are ramping up a move for a £66m-rated star Man Utd like in a deal that’ll send a club icon packing and usher in a new era, per reports.
Major change could be coming at Spurs over the summer and it may all begin with the manager. The Athletic recently reported the Antonio Conte era is coming to an end. The Italian is out of contract at season’s end and given the way the current campaign has unfolded, a parting of ways may be best for all involved.
A remarkable return for the much loved Mauricio Pochettino has done the rounds in the media. Whether it’s he, Conte or another manager entirely who lead Tottenham into next season, it’s looking increasingly likely they’ll have a new stopper between the sticks.
Hugo Lloris has assumed that role for 10-plus seasons and for the most part, he’s been a superb signing for the club.
However, the veteran Frenchman, now 36, has become increasingly error-prone in recent years and that’s reflected in the statistics.
Indeed, Lloris currently leads all Premier League players in the errors leading to a goal metric this term. What makes his mark of four all the more worrying is that only one other player is on three.
Calls have begun to grow for Tottenham to show a ruthless streak and axe Lloris this summer. His current deal has another year left to run after this season, though Spurs may be better served severing ties 12 months early.
The likes of Jordan Pickford (Everton), Illan Meslier (Leeds), Robert Sanchez (Brighton) and David Raya (Brentford) from within the Premier League have all been linked with replacing Lloris.
However, an even higher profile star with Champions League and international experience is fast emerging as a genuine Lloris successor.
Reports out of Portugal last week put Tottenham on the trail of FC Porto’s Diogo Costa.
The 23-year-old is the current No 1 for the Portugal national side and was heavily linked with Manchester United late last year.
The idea at the time was the Red Devils were reportedly eyeing Costa as a replacement for David de Gea. However, De Gea’s sensational form this season has prompted a re-think, with the Spaniard now due to sign a new, long-term contract.
That leaves the door ajar for Spurs and per the print edition of A Bola, Tottenham have taken the first step towards a move.
Tottenham take closer look at Diogo Costa
Via Spurs Web, it’s claimed Tottenham scouts flew to Portugal to observe Costa in action on Tuesday night. Costa started in goal as Porto aimed to overturn a one-goal deficit against Inter Milan in the Champions League.
Porto were unable to achieve their aim, though a 0-0 draw did mean Costa kept a clean sheet.
In the event Tottenham liked what they saw and are planning a move, they know precisely how much a Costa deal will cost.
That’s because Costa penned fresh terms with Porto in November in a move that saw his release clause raised to €75m (approx. £66m).
As such, Costa will not come cheap, though at 23, he could well prove excellent value for money if he becomes the Tottenham keeper for the next decade, as Hugo Lloris previously did.
