Tottenham backed to complete Man Utd signing providing fallen icon is sold first (original) (raw)
Tottenham would “definitely” be the best option of two open to a wantaway Man Utd star this summer, though one observer believes a deal is only viable if a Spurs icon is axed.
Tottenham are facing a series of key decisions in the run-up to the summer transfer window. Appointing a new manager and tying Harry Kane down to a new, long-term deal top the list, though other issues are bubbling away under the surface.
Signing a left-sided centre-half is on the agenda with Clement Lenglet poised to return to Barcelona once his loan deal concludes. Elsewhere, what to do with Hugo Lloris is a topic that must be broached.
The veteran Frenchman, 36, has been Spurs’ No 1 for 11 years. However, his form has fallen off a cliff in recent seasons, with error-strewn displays becoming increasingly common.
Indeed, Lloris currently leads the Premier League in the errors leading to a goal category this season. What makes his tally of four all the more concerning is the fact only two players are on three (Illan Meslier and Idirssa Gueye).
Lloris is under contract for one more year, though the Evening Standard are the latest to suggest Tottenham could part ways 12 months early.
Given Lloris might not feature again this season due to a thigh injury, Lloris may have played his final match for the club.
Man Utd’s Dean Henderson has emerged on Tottenham’s radar in the event they require a new No 1. Henderson is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest who are keen to sign him outright.
However, Forest’s chances of pulling off the move hinge entirely on beating the drop. Even if they do stave off relegation, former right-back, Alan Hutton, believes joining Tottenham is by far and away the superior option.
However, Hutton believes Henderson would only accept a move to Spurs in the event Lloris were sold. Henderson is seeking a place in England’s squad at Euro 2024 and must impress at club level next season to earn a spot.
The only way he’d be guaranteed of being the Spurs starter for the entire season is if Lloris isn’t around.
Henderson will choose Tottenham… if Lloris is sold – Hutton
“It would definitely be a better option,” Hutton told Football Insider when asked whether Spurs would be a better option for Henderson than Forest.
“You would rather be at a team at the top end of the league than the bottom.
“It will come down to is he being bought for number one? Is that where they see him being or is he a backup? Is he there to push Lloris or is Lloris moving on? So it really falls into that category
“He will want to play football. We thought he was going to take over from De Gea at Man United, that did not work. It is all about playing for him now, he is ready for it.
“So if he is going to be number one I think you would choose Tottenham.“
Henderson, 26, will reportedly cost a fee in the region of £30m this summer, per t_he Manchester Evening News_.
Football Insider previously reported Henderson is open to leaving Man Utd for good at season’s end due to David de Gea nearing a new, multi-year contract.