The Telegraph have claimed that Hugo Lloris is one of a trio of Premier League goalkeepers being targeted by Real Madrid, but it looks like Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois is the one that they are more likely to sign.
Curiously the paper links Lloris to Madrid in their headline, even though the story by Matt Law firmly claims that Courtois is their number one target. Manchester United’s David de Gea is the other Premier League keeper thought to be on Real’s shortlist.
Law writes that Madrid will turn to Lloris if the Spurs skipper proves easier to prise away from London than Courtois. What makes this something of a non-story is that all the indicators suggest it is Chelsea’s keeper who is likelier to make the move.
Lloris signed a new contract this season, keeping him at Tottenham until 2022. This does not seem like the actions of a man desperate to leave the club, though of course it would be foolish to think that a deal is impossible, with Madrid well able to double Lloris’ £100,000-a-week salary and pay Spurs a world record fee for a goalkeeper.
Courtois certainly seems easier to entice. His contract expires at the end of the 2018-19 season, giving Chelsea a decision to make should he not have extended his contract by the summer. Do they risk Courtois’ transfer value declining? Especially when the Belgian has openly spoken of his desire to return to Spain.
Earlier this season Courtois told Marca: “I have a contract with Chelsea for three more seasons. In 2018 when I am in the last year of my contract we will have to evaluate if it is best for me to renew or leave.
“When I left Spain I already knew that one day I was going to go back. From the first minute there I feel in love with Spain, with the people and the way of life. I still eat late, take a siesta and watch Spanish television. I feel half-Spanish.”
Indeed, Courtois’ wife and daughter still live in Madrid. We can’t help but feel he’s likely to return there sooner rather than later, which would be good news for Spurs fans.
