Hugo Lloris\u2019 blunder against Aston Villa on New Year\u2019s Day certainly wasn\u2019t the first he has made as Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper in recent times. While the Frenchman has been an excellent servant over the last decade for the North London club, mistakes have crept into his game at an alarming rate.<\/p>\n
Indeed, there is a growing acceptance among Tottenham fans that their club will have to target a new first-choice goalkeeper sooner rather than later. World-class goalkeepers are difficult to find, and Spurs have been fortunate to have had one like Lloris for such a long time, but they might have no choice but to enter the market for another number one.<\/p>\n
Jordan Pickford has been mentioned as one possible replacement for Lloris with the Everton and England goalkeeper now into the final 18 months of his contract at Goodison Park. David Raya is also believed to be on Tottenham\u2019s radar, but Pickford\u2019s signing would provide the greatest statement of intent.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s fair to say Pickford has had his critics over the years. Like Lloris, he has made a number of mistakes, most frequently for Everton, but the 28-year-old is reaching maturity. With Everton facing a fight against relegation from the Premier League this season, he has grown into a leader and his performances have never been better.<\/p>\n
England has always brought the best out of Pickford and he was in top form for the Three Lions in reaching the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup. Some argued Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale should have been ahead of Pickford in the goalkeeping pecking order, but Pickford more than vindicated Gareth Southgate\u2019s faith in him.<\/p>\n
As a modern goalkeeper, Pickford fits the bill for any team looking to play out from the back. The 28-year-old might not be on Ederson\u2019s level in terms of his distribution, but he is strong enough with the ball at his feet to take possession when required to. This is surely something that appeals to Tottenham Hotspur.<\/p>\n
At this stage of his career, it would be understandable if Pickford desired a move away from Everton. He has been at Goodison Park for the last five years and has achieved very little in that time. Despite being England number one, Pickford has yet to play in the Champions League – something that Spurs could offer him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel we can (match his ambitions),\u201d Lampard recently insisted when asked about the likelihood of signing Pickford to a new contract with his current deal entering its final 18 months. “I like to think he’s very happy here. We’re a huge club with a huge history and big ambition and he’s a big part of that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite Lampard\u2019s comments, there\u2019s little in Everton\u2019s form this season to suggest they can match Pickford\u2019s individual ambition with the Toffees fighting to stay in the Premier League. What\u2019s more, Everton\u2019s financial position is so delicate they might not be in a position to reject any offer from Spurs for a player who will be permitted to leave the club as a free agent next year.<\/p>\n