Tottenham may have brought an end to their recent slump in form with an emphatic 5-1 thumping of Stoke City yesterday, but Mauricio Pochettino's men are still a long way from the title race, facing a real battle for a top four finish and are now relying on the lottery of cup competitions as their likeliest chances of silverware, this season.
After two seasons of building reasonable title challenges, Spurs have crumbled during the early stages this time round, lying in sixth place, 15 points off leaders Manchester City.
And it is this drop in form and lack of title challenge that could open the door for Real Madrid to launch a bid for Spurs captain Hugo Lloris.
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Lloris has established himself as one of the most reliable goalkeepers in world football as Spurs and France's number one for the last few years. Image: PA
The Frenchman is seen as a cheaper alternative to long term target David De Gea, with Lloris believed to be valued in the region of £25-£28 million by Tottenham.
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According to the Mirror, Lloris is settled in London but is also hugely ambitious and may see a move to the Bernabeu as an opportunity he cannot refuse to pass up, especially as he turns 31 on Boxing Day.
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Los Blancos have long been on the lookout for a goalkeeper, despite Costa Rican Keylor Navas regularly impressing between the sticks and becoming a firm fan favourite over the last few seasons.
And manager Zinedine Zidane sees Lloris as the next best thing if the club cannot persuade United to part with De Gea.
After back-to-back Champions League successes and a La Liga title triumph, Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane is finding his third season in charge of Los Blancos a little more trying. Image: PA
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Given Zidane's repuation as an icon in France who helped the country secure the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championships, Lloris would reportedly jump at the chance to work with him, presuming he manages to remain in charge after an inconsistent start to the current campaign.
(H/T The Mirror)
Topics: Football News, Tottenham Hotspur, Football, Hugo Lloris, Premier League, Real Madrid, La Liga