Noel Whelan has suggested the prospect of Hugo Lloris comitting his future in North London would be a ‘massive signing’ for Tottenham and show a big signal of intent from the club.
The 34-year-old has entered the final year of his current deal and will be free to talk to overseas clubs about signing a pre-contract agreement in January.
However, recent reports have suggested Spurs are confident and hopeful of agreeing new terms with the France number one, who has been ever-present between the sticks for the club.
As such, Lloris is approaching his 10-year anniversary at Spurs having made 388 appearances for the club in all competitions since joining the side from Lyon in 2012.
Former Leeds and Coventry striker Whelan believes it would be a huge coup for Spurs if they were to strike a deal with Lloris, and claims the Frenchman is still one of the world’s best in his position.
He told Football Insider: “I think it’d be a huge plus [Lloris signing a new contract], it really would be.
“For the past year and a half, we’ve been thinking that he’s going to go on a free, is he going to go to another club? Are they looking for successors to take his place?
“Wherever you mention Hugo Lloris’ name, he stands out as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. To tie him down would be a massive signing. Good goalkeepers like that are very hard to come by, they really are.
“The fact that he loves the club, has been there such a long time. It would just be a sign to the other players that they’ll do anything to keep the best players at the club.
“There’s no doubt about it. He’s a leader, he’s been the captain for Tottenham Hotspur as well. That to me is crucial.
“If they can manage to do that, that would show massive progress and an indication that they mean business.”
Spurs Web Opinion
This is a no-brainer for Spurs. Lloris has offered everything for the club and has nothing else to prove at this point. He has also proved he is still capable of performing at the top level, so hopefully both parties can reach an agreement in the near future.