Newcastle United have moved to sign Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris on a season-long loan deal before the deadline tonight, according to The Times.
The former France international is out of favour at Spurs and has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, but nothing has materialised so far.
However, Saudi-owned Newcastle want him as manager Eddie Howe is keen to bolster his options in goal, but Lloris has so far turned down the switch to the North East.
Billionaire-owned Magpies could allow Martin Dubravka to leave after Karl Darlow joined Leeds, and while Loris Karius is providing cover for Nick Pope, they want the 36-year-old Tottenham hero.
However, the 2018 World Cup winner is not keen right now as he wants to join a club where he is guaranteed a starting berth and did recently turn down a move to Lazio as he was not interested in playing second fiddle.
Spurs could decide to terminate his contract if he does not find a club this summer, and more clubs would emerge for his services if that happens as they would not have to pay a fee for him.
Lloris has been with the North London club since 2012, with 361 Premier League appearances to his name, and he brings loads of experience to the table.
He would have been a quality back-up to have at St James’ Park, but the Toons have to look elsewhere for the goalkeeping reinforcement Howe wants.
Lloris’ old club OGC Nice are in search of a new goalie after mutually terminating the contract of Denmark international Kasper Schmeichel today, and a return to France could be appealing.
Marcin Bulka has established himself as the first-choice at the Ligue 1 club after joining permanently from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, and Lloris will have to battle him for the starting berth were he to make a return.
