Long-term planning sees Tottenham target exciting Spaniard nearing LaLiga century

Unai Simon has been identified by Tottenham Hotspur as a potential successor to first-choice goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, according to reports in Spain.

Lloris will reach a decade of service to Tottenham in the summer. After extending his contract until 2024 recently, he won’t be walking away any time soon, either. But at the age of 35, Tottenham know they need to make a succession plan.

With that in mind, they took Pierluigi Gollini on loan from Atalanta at the start of the season. However, the Italian has found it hard to dislodge Lloris at all. Therefore, they will likely be looking for new competition for their captain instead next season.

According to Marca, one goalkeeper on Tottenham’s radar is Unai Simon. The Athletic Club custodian is a 20-cap Spain international who has risen through the ranks with Bilbao.

To date, the 24-year-old has made 115 appearances (including 99 in LaLiga) for his current employers. Impressively, he has only conceded 117 goals from those games.

Unai Simon could be set for a new adventure, though, if Tottenham manage to take him. He is under contract in the Basque Country until 2025 and has indicated a willingness to remain where he is.

However, Spurs could try their luck at prising him away. Their plan is for Lloris to stay for their transition to his successor. Unai Simon could be the player they target.

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The Spaniard certainly has a growing reputation. He would be a high-profile replacement for one of Tottenham’s most reliable players. Whether he would be willing to share duties with him remains to be seen.

If anything, it appears Unai Simon wants to stay with Athletic. Tottenham would have to be convincing, then, or quickly find other targets if they want to make a summer signing in net.

Tottenham have Unai Simon alternative

Another goalkeeper to be linked with Tottenham in recent days is Alexander Nubel.

The goalkeeper, 25, was earmarked as the long-term successor to Manuel Neuer upon signing for Bayern Munich from Schalke in 2020. However, despite being 35, Neuer remains at the top of his game and is unmoveable at present.

As such, Nubel was loaned out to Monaco this season, and by all accounts, he is impressing.

However, Bayern’s succession plan may in fact be scuppered and then copied by Tottenham.

Goal revealed Spurs’ interest last month, with Antonio Conte deemed a ‘keen admirer’. More recently, Kicker shed light on the complex state of play.

First, it’s noted Bayern are discussing a contract extension with Neuer. His current deal expires in 2023, but given his levels haven’t dropped, there is no reason not to extend his stay.

That will shut the door on Nubel becoming the No 1 in Bavaria any time soon, and Tottenham could pounce.

Kicker reaffirm Spurs’ interest in Nubel, though their situation is similar to Bayern’s. Still, Spurs may be more willing than Bayern to share time between their stoppers in goal.

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