Tottenham settle on ‘number one’ transfer target to replace certain Conte starter in 2023

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to phase out Hugo Lloris after a report revealed they have chosen their preferred successor for the goalkeeper.

Lloris is Tottenham’s captain and longest-serving player, having been with the club for a decade. Now 35 years old, he has started all 15 Premier League matches and six Champions League games so far this season.

Clearly, Antonio Conte still feels he can rely on Lloris, who signed a contract extension until 2024 earlier this year.

However, there is a growing feeling that this might be the Frenchman’s last season as Tottenham’s first-choice goalkeeper. Age is not on his side and he has been struggling for consistency anyway.

TEAMtalk has been told that Tottenham will be looking at finding a new number one in the summer. In that regard, they have a few options on their radar.

Our sources informed us that their shortlist, as of November, consisted of Jordan Pickford, Robert Sanchez and Illan Meslier.

And it seems Tottenham have narrowed down their search even further by picking one of them as their priority target.

According to Tuttomercatoweb, their “number one” objective for the summer transfer window is Pickford.

The regular England starter is under contract with Everton until 2024. Therefore, he could feasibly be on the move in 2023.

Tottenham can give Jordan Pickford bigger stage to prove himself

Since Everton have been hovering above the relegation zone for the past couple of seasons, Pickford might be able to join a club competing higher up the table.

At the age of 28, he still has many years ahead of him as a starting goalkeeper. By joining a club like Tottenham, he could spend the prime of his career competing among the European places.

The report does not mention how much Pickford might cost. Given his contract status, he could theoretically be available for a decent price.

There have been some debates as to whether or not Pickford is of the appropriate quality for a club like Tottenham. Some have even questioned if he deserves his role as England’s number one.

But Pickford deserves respect for the career he has had so far and has every right to be considered by higher-ranking clubs for a transfer.

An opportunity could be opening up with Tottenham, which would give him another chance to prove himself on a bigger stage.

Of course, Tottenham shouldn’t be forgetting their other options in case a deal can’t be done. But Pickford is certainly one to keep an eye on in the New Year.

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