Tottenham Hotspur remain interested in Lille goalkeeper Mike Maignan, according to a report, but face a major problem in their hopes of signing the Frenchman.
Le10 Sport claim that the Lille stopper could be on his way out of the French club this summer, after Les Dogues secured the signature of Greek international Orestis Karnezis.
The report claims that Jose Mourinho, whose main assistants on the coaching staff are both former Lille employees, wants Maignan as the long-term replacement for Hugo Lloris.
Tottenham are therefore on standby to make a move for Maignan after the Karnezis deal, but would not be able to offer him an immediately assured starting spot because of Lloris’ presence.
Which is where Chelsea come in.
The Blues are willing to make a move for Maignan and he would immediately be offered a chance to be the club’s number one stopper.
Kepa Arrizabalaga has lost his place in the starting XI to Willy Caballero and Frank Lampard is said to want a first-class replacement.
Tottenham are therefore in the difficult position of having identified the perfect replacement for their club captain, but perhaps a year too early.
With Chelsea likely to offer first-team football for Maignan, who is valued at £16 million (The Sun), Tottenham could have to watch him head to Stamford Bridge.