Hugo Lloris is expected to leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer as the club prepare for the visit of the man who could replace him, Brentford’s David Raya.
France World Cup winner Lloris will miss the final two games of the season, including Saturday’s clash with Brentford, through injury and it appears increasingly likely the 36-year-old has played his final game for Spurs.
Lloris has a contract that runs to the summer of 2024, but expectation is growing that he will bring his 11-year stay at Tottenham to an end this year.
Having joined from Lyon for an initial fee of under £10 million, Lloris has been one of Tottenham’s best value-for-money signings and is also the club captain.
It is believed Lloris already has an offer from Saudi Arabia to treble his wages and Tottenham are preparing to move for a new goalkeeper with Raya near the top of their list.
Raya, who has also attracted interest from Chelsea, could enhance his reputation inside Tottenham on Saturday, although a good performance for Brentford could also dent the club’s, and potentially his own, hopes of playing in Europe next season.
Brentford manager Thomas Frank has valued Raya in the region of £40 million and the club appear to be preparing for his departure by moving for Freiburg goalkeeper Mark Flekken.
Flekken has an £11.3m buy-out clause in his contract and is said to be in advanced talks over a switch to Brentford.
Freiburg sporting director Jochen Saier said: “It’s possible that Mark will leave us. But that is legitimate. For him, it’s also about the timing: When do you take the next big step? There is interest from the island and also know that it is lucrative. In this respect, there is a possibility.”
With Lloris out injured, 35-year-old Fraser Forster, whose Spurs contract also runs to 2024, will continue to deputise against Brentford.