Tottenham Hotspur will test Manchester City’s resolve to keep hold of goalkeeper Joe Hart if Hugo Lloris leaves White Hart Lane, Football Express News understands.
England number one Hart faces a fresh fight to retain his starting berth following the arrival of counterpart Willy Caballero from La Liga outfit Malaga.
He lost his place in Manuel Pellegrini’s side at the turn of the year following several costly errors and has seen former deputy Costel Pantilimon, now at Sunderland, replaced by highly-regarded Caballero.
The 32-year-old played under Pellegrini when the Chilean was in charge at Malaga.
A source close to Spurs told FEN they intend to capitalise on the uncertainty surrounding Hart’s status at the Etihad Stadium by launching a big-money bid in the event that France star Lloris quits the club.
The insider revealed a number of clubs dotted around Europe – many of whom are involved in next season’s Champions League – have expressed an interest in Lloris, who is back from World Cup duty following France’s quarter-finals elimination.
They cannot offer him participation in club football’s leading European competition and will find it hard to keep him if he forces the issue.
Hart could be tempted by the promise of regular first-team football if he receives an indication that City’s latest import is viewed as his replacement.