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.

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.

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