Pundit insists that Spurs could land reported target for just £30m this summer

Former Leeds United forward, Noel Whelan, has urged Tottenham to push ahead with a deal for Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope this summer.

There has been a lot of speculation regarding the goalkeeping role at Spurs over the last few weeks, with reports suggesting that Jose Mourinho is looking to bring in someone to push Hugo Lloris for his number one jersey (Daily Mail).

Spurs have been linked with several potential new options between the sticks, including the impressive England and Burnley shot-stopper, Nick Pope, who is also said to be interesting Chelsea (the Express).

The England international has been in brilliant form this campaign after playing second fiddle to Joe Hart for large parts of last season.

Whelan believes that the Lilywhites need to bring in an additional goalkeeper to keep Lloris on his toes. He also insisted that the Clarets could not afford to turn down an offer of £30 million for Pope in a deal that would be good for both clubs.

Speaking to Football Insider, the former Leeds star said: “After the World Cup, Lloris’s game has slid down a little bit and mistakes have been creeping into his game.

“His performances leave you wondering whether his age is getting to him? Maybe he needs more competition because he has always been number one and is, of course, the captain of the club.

“Nick Pope is an excellent goalkeeper. There are not many good goalkeepers out there so he would definitely be worth the money – without a doubt.

“A club like Burnley have got to accept it when clubs come in with big money. They cannot afford not to accept a £30 million-plus bid. Spurs get a good goalkeeper, Sean Dyche gets some money to go out there and strengthen.”

Spurs Web Opinion

Whelan is right in saying that there is a shortage of quality goalkeepers around at the moment. If Pope does become available in the summer, it will be too good a deal for Spurs to miss out on as they are likely to be in the market for a goalkeeper anyway with Michel Vorm set to leave. Not only will Pope be an upgrade on Gazzaniga and prove an able deputy to Lloris but he can also become the Frenchman’s long-term replacement as the club’s number one.

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