Report: Tottenham coach Nuno Santos wants Jose Mourinho to sign Frenchman

By Will Butcher

French website La Voix Du Nord have claimed that Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeping coach Nuno Santos is urging Jose Mourinho to raid French side Lille for French goalkeeper Mike Maignan this summer.

Santos was one of a number of coaches that swapped Lille for Spurs following the appointment of Mourinho in November 2019. Along with Santos, Joao Sacramento moved to north London to become Mourinho’s assistant.

Maignan, 24, has clocked up 132 senior appearances for Lille since joining the club from Paris Saint-Germain in 2015. Certainly, his performances helped Lille reach the Champions League group stages this season.

French website Le10Sport claimed in April that Maignan is a priority for Mourinho this summer – with a fee expected to exceed more than £18million for the stopper. Now, it is believed Santos is urging Mourinho to sign him.

(Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)

TBR’s view – Maignan would be stunning Lloris replacement

World Cup winner Lloris is now 33 years of age and has clocked up a whopping 316 appearances for Spurs – but in the last couple of seasons, critics of the former Lyon goalkeeper have grown.

Certainly, Lloris’ powers are dwindling. A replacement is needed, or at least a goalkeeper that is open to playing second fiddle for a season or two and then eventually replace Lloris. Maignan is ideal.

(Photo by NICOLAS TUCAT / AFP) (Photo credit should read NICOLAS TUCAT/AFP/Getty Images)