AS have revealed that Tottenham Hotspur expressed interest in signing Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simon earlier this summer.
It has been an open secret for a while that Hugo Lloris’ 11-year spell at Spurs is set to come to an end this summer, with the Frenchman himself admitting back in May that he is seeking a new challenge (Nice-Matin).
Tottenham were linked with a whole host of goalkeepers over the last few months and the club eventually ended up securing the services of Guglielmo Vicario from Empoli in a £16.4m deal.
Spurs also looked at summer move for Unai Simon
AS have now claimed that Spurs also explored a move for Simon earlier this summer, with the Lilywhites said to have reached out to Bilbao regarding the Spaniard.
The report states that the La Liga side were open to cashing in on their number one since they had ‘great trust’ in Julen Agirrezabala.
However, it is explained that Spurs were only willing to offer €20m (£17.1m) for the goalkeeper, which fell well short of Bilbao’s valuation of €45m – €50m (£38.5m – £42.8m).
AS add that Simon has now emerged as a target for Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal, who are now making a serious play to sign the 26-year-old.
Spurs Web Opinion
Tottenham likely considered moves for several goalkeepers around Europe before deciding to push ahead with a move for Vicario.
I suspect the fear of Inter pushing ahead with a move for the Italian was what led the North London club to swiftly conclude a deal for the former Empoli man.