LLORIS BID REJECTED

Throughout the summer there has been plenty of speculation linking Tottenham with a new goalkeeper, with several names being linked with an arrival at White Hart Lane. Perhaps the biggest rumour has been associated with Hugo Lloris, with several media outlets reporting that the Lyon shot stopper has been on the radar of Andre Villas-Boas. However, it appears as though the club have now put a stop to negotiations, after the Lyon chairman confirmed that Spurs had tried, yet failed, with an attempt to prize the 25-year-old away.

With Brad Friedel now 41-years-old, Tottenham chiefs have been desperate to find a long-term replacement for the American. While there have been rumours suggesting a move for Roma player Maarten Stekelenburg, most speculation has been hinting at a switch for Lloris. The majority of reports have indicated that while Lloris has been one of Villas-Boas' main targets, Lyon's asking price for the player is hugely different to what Tottenham have offered.

According to Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas, that is exactly what has occured. Speaking in an interview with RMC, Aulas said, "Hugo wants to play in one of the best clubs in Europe. This year there was an approach from Tottenham that was quickly rejected. If he absolutely wants to leave, we will look at the proposals but they must be consistent with what we want. If not, he will stay."

Bearing in mind the above, it remains to be seen which direction Spurs now take. Considering Friedel’s advancing years and the fact that his deputy Heurelho Gomes is clearly not favoured, AVB is still tipped to make a move for a goalkeeper. With Lloris now off the agenda, it will be interesting to see if the club act on their reported interest of Stekelenburg or even explore a completely different avenue.