Man Utd and Tottenham set to battle for Atletico Madrid star Jan Oblak
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Tottenham have reportedly drawn up a plan for replacing veteran goalkeeper Hugo Lloris with Jan Oblak, despite handing the France international a new two-year deal in January. But they will face stiff competition from Manchester United for the Slovenian shot-stopper.
Antonio Conte took the chance to reconstruct his Spurs team over the summer, and he is already reaping the benefits of that. His side are unbeaten in the Premier League and sit third, winning five of those seven matches.
Conte, though, is far from finished on the transfer front as the Italian is already eying long-term options for in between the sticks – which could silence those feeling that the former Chelsea boss is destined to depart. According to the Evening Standard, Tottenham have identified Atletico Madrid’s Oblak as their top target to replace Lloris, despite his contract at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano running until 2028.
Atletico are willing to entertain offers for the Slovenian goalkeeper and are aware that Spurs have ‘sounded out’ their interest. However, the La Liga outfit may be able to spark a bidding war for their 29-year-old as Manchester United have asked to stay informed over his situation.
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The Red Devils are concerned about the future of David de Gea, despite the 31-year-old remaining central to Erik ten Hag’s plans. The Old Trafford outfit allowed Dean Henderson to join Nottingham Forest on loan over the summer after the England international learnt that he would remain second-choice at the club behind De Gea.
The Spaniard’s contract expires at the end of the season and he is yet to pen a new deal at the Theatre of the Dreams, despite reports emerging last year that he was waiting to sign an extension. If the former Atletico goalkeeper does extend his stay at United then it is hard to see Oblak remaining as a transfer target, handing Tottenham the advantage in the transfer race.
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Lloris has been an ever-present constant at Tottenham since his arrival from Lyon in 2012, being the north London side’s No 1 for that entire period. But given that the 35-year-old is coming to the end of his career and has suffered several injuries previously, now is the time for Tottenham to consider how they will replace their club captain.
Lloris is an injury doubt for the crunch clash against Arsenal this weekend having pulled out of the France squad with a thigh injury. Fraser Forster was signed in the summer transfer window, and he would be keen to take his opportunity given that he is yet to make his debut for his new club.
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