‘He made the difference’: Conte reportedly wants £25m star Tottenham man labelled ‘amazing’ after Spurs win

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Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly identified the goalkeeper that they want to sign next summer, with The Telegraph reporting that Antonio Conte wants Jordan Pickford.

Hugo Lloris is out of contract at the end of the season. It is claimed that he could sign a new contract. But Conte has his eye on the Everton man whether the Frenchman stays or not.

The report suggests that the Toffees would want to make a profit on the £25 million that they spent to bring the England international to Goodison Park.

It will likely come as a surprise to many that Pickford is wanted. His form throughout his time at Everton has been mixed. And he has come in for a lot of criticism.

But he has been outstanding for his country. And in total, he has brought up his half-century for clean sheets in the Premier League – averaging better than one every four games.

It would also appear that he would potentially get the seal of approval of the man he may potentially succeed at Hotspur Way.

‘Amazing today’

Pickford came up against Tottenham in one of his first games in the Sunderland first-team back in September 2016.

Spurs won 1-0 that day, with Harry Kane scoring the only goal. But in the wake of the game, Lloris insisted that it was the performance of his opposite number that he was blown away by.

“I think we can congratulate their keeper – he was amazing today,” said Lloris, as reported by the Chronicle.

“Last season he was brilliant too. I prefer that you talk a bit more about his performance because it’s not easy. Every game he has to make more than five saves and mentally you can get tired – but today he was amazing until the end and he made the difference.”

Pickford always likely to be a divisive transfer target amongst Tottenham fans despite Lloris praise

It is not hard to imagine the transfer reports not going down well with a host of the Tottenham supporters.

He is a volatile character. And he has made some costly mistakes during his time with the Toffees.

But he is also capable of truly outrageous saves. And confidence is unlikely to ever be a problem for Pickford – which can be ideal for a goalkeeper.

He will have the belief that he belongs at the best clubs. And perhaps Lloris may have a similar feeling following his praise some years ago.