Tottenham Hotspur are now 'looking' for goalkeeper Hugo Lloris' long term replacement after a 'massive decision' from Antonio Conte, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Wonderful servant...
The Frenchman, who is a near-certain inclusion for his country's 2022 World Cup squad in Qatar as Les Bleus captain, has proved a long-serving, reliable and dependent mainstay since joining from Lyon in the summer of 2012.
A decade has passed since Lloris' move to the Premier League, with the Spurs figurehead going on to make 436 appearances in all competitions. Even now, the 35-year-old is an ever-present under Antonio Conte, playing more league minutes than anyone in the squad (WhoScored).
However, Lloris has been criticised for some of his performances this season, with Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher even questioning the Spurs number one's fading abilities.
The Latest: Tottenham 'looking' for Lloris replacement...
In light of the 35-year-old's apparent downturn in form, journalist Graeme Bailey has shared an update on the goalkeeper's long-term future at Spurs.
Conte has apparently made a 'massive decision' in regards to Lloris, with Tottenham now looking at his future heirs as they draw up a shortlist. It is believed that Spurs are eyeing Jordan Pickford, Robert Sanchez and Illan Meslier as possible candidates, with it being 'unlikely' that the Frenchman remains their number one after this season.
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Bailey explained (via TEAMtalk): "Hugo Lloris has a deal until 2024, but it is highly unlikely he will be Tottenham number one after this season. He has been up and down and it is understood Tottenham are looking for his long-term replacement. And we can reveal that a number of options are in the Premier League.
“They have been linked to the likes of Jordan Pickford, Robert Sanchez and Illan Meslier, and these are the options for them. They really like Sanchez at Brighton – but it is likely that won’t be until the end of the season.”
The Verdict: End of an era...
Spurs supporters will surely look back fondly on Lloris' long tenure at their club's number one shot-stopper with great memories, and he is hardly over the hill despite a recent slump.
Just this season, the goalkeeping veteran put on a brilliant performance away to Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League, with reporter Alasdair Gold describing him as a 'bright light' in that Tottenham defeat.
Lloris does deserve to see out this season as Conte's first choice at the very least, even if all eras must come to an end eventually.