Real Madrid 'target' Hugo Lloris in belief Tottenham goalkeeper is easier to sign than David De Gea and Thibaut Courtois
Real are being linked with the trio of Premier League goalkeepers
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Real Madrid have drawn up a shortlist of Premier League goalkeepers to replace current number one Keylor Navas – with Tottenham Hotspur’s Hugo Lloris thought to top the list.
Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois and Manchester United’s David de Gea are also targets for Zinedine Zidane, but the Spanish champions believe Lloris may be the easiest to lure away from the Premier League.
Real are determined to sign a world-class goalkeeper to replace Navas now that their Fifa-imposed transfer ban has been reduced in length. In December, the Court of Arbitration for Sport announced that it had cut the the ban, meaning it only applied during the January transfer window.
Lloris earns around £100,000 a week at Spurs, a figure that The Telegraph report Real would be willing to double to ensure that the player moves to the Bernabeu. By contrast, De Gea already earns £200,000 at Old Trafford, with Courtois earning a weekly wage in the region of £150,000.
However, Tottenham are optimistic that they will be able to persuade their club captain to reject a move away from London, especially as he only signed a new five-year contract in December, and has not yet expressed a desire to leave.
Manchester United’s De Gea has been a long-time target – and appeared on the cusp of signing a contract with the club worth a mooted £66m when he was photographed in Madrid at the end of the 2015 window – but the Spanish number one is now settled in Manchester.
“I’m really happy to play for United and Spain and I’m feeling very strong on the pitch,” he recently told the club website.
“I need to keep this level until the finish of the season. But I feel really well.”
The Champions League winners are also interested in Chelsea’s Courtois, but have been deterred by the Belgian’s recent upturn in fortunes at Stamford Bridge.
Courtois has benefited greatly from a recent change in goalkeeping coach – striking up a profitable relationship with long time Antonio Conte associate Gianluca Spinelli – and the 24-year old is believed to be on the verge of signing a new contract.
Despite Madrid’s much publicised desire to recruit a new goalkeeper, incumbent number one Keylor Navas recently told radio show "El Larguero" that he would not sacrifice his position in the team without a fight.
"I am very clear about this: They always bring the best players in the world here [to Madrid]. That motivates me as it means that I am here among the best,” the 30-year old said. “I know there are many things out of my control, but I will fight hard for the things that I can control.
"I want to be here for many years. I am relaxed about it all. I would love to retire here at Madrid. To be here is a blessing, a privilege and a responsibility."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments