Tottenham keeper chase: New name emerges in Antonio Conte hunt for Lloris successor

Tottenham are reportedly keeping tabs on Brentford goalkeeper David Raya as they search for a long-term replacement for Hugo Lloris.

The France World Cup winner has just turned 36 and Spurs have begun planning for a future without the club stalwart, who has been in north London for more than a decade.

Lloris only signed a two-year extension last year. However, more and more errors have crept into his game, with three directly leading to goals this season.

Antonio Conte was visibly angry as Lloris’ mistake against Aston Villa last weekend gifted them the opening goal in a 2-0 triumph in the capital.

However, it’s not thought that he has plans to replace the Frenchman this month. Indeed, Conte has an eye very much on the summer instead.

Everton and England No.1 Jordan Pickford continues to be linked with a switch to Tottenham. Indeed, Sunday’s Transfer Gossip revealed that Conte and sporting director Fabio Paratici have stepped up their bid to sign the 28-year-old.

However, a separate report in the Daily Telegraph claims that Raya is actually top of Spurs’ list and that a deal could well get done in the summer.

A plan is set to be put in place to replace Lloris, who has made 439 appearances for the club since joining from Lyon for £11million in August 2012, with back-up goalkeeper Fraser Forster also coming towards the end of his career at 34.

Young goalkeepers Brandon Austin and Alfie Whiteman are both highly-rated. However, neither are expected to be able to make the step up by then.

Spurs given hope by Raya contract status

As for Raya, the 27-year-old Spaniard has made 141 appearances for Brentford since joining the club from Blackburn in 2019. During that time he’s become a key member of a Bees side that continues to impress in the Premier League.

Raya has also picked up two caps for Spain and was in their World Cup squad for Qatar.

He currently has just 18 months left on his deal at Brentford. And if he refuses to sign a new contract negotiations could be easier for Tottenham in the summer.

Raya, like Pickford and unlike Lloris, is comfortable in possession and considered a ‘modern-day’ keeper. That is arguably Lloris’ biggest fault, despite him still be an dynamic shot-stopper.

Lloris and Spurs are back in action next Sunday afternoon when they host table-topping rivals Arsenal.

READ MORE: Tottenham talks with Serie A side over transfer of Senegal midfielder confirmed by sporting director