Manchester United Dugout

Hugo Lloris who has been linked with a move to Manchester United is considered one of Europe's top young keepers. Since making his debut in October 2005, the Frenchman has been making serious impacts in Europe and has been a target of Manchester United.

Hugo Lloris was linked with Tottenham in 2008. He even turned down an offer from AC Milan only to join Lyon in the summer of 2008 for €8.5million. Though Lyon missed out on their league title in 2008, Lloris was still crowned Ligue 1's Goalkeeper of the Year. He was placed third in France Football's 2009 French Player of the Year award (behind Nicolas Anelka and Yoann Gourcuff).

So what makes Hugo Lloris the best goalkeeper in Europe?

His stats and accolades are impressive considering he is only 23, but his performances are the real reason why he’s the best goalkeeper in Europe. Watch this video and you’ll realize why Hugo Lloris is the top shot-stopper.

Manchester United is planning a £20million transfer swoop for French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. The tall 23-year-old is the best long-term replacement for Edwin van der Sar, according to Sir Alex Ferguson.

Hugo Lloris has consistently excelled in his duties for French side Lyon and his excellent performances in the Champions League ensured that Liverpool missed out on qualifying for the knockout stages. Fergie could make a major splash when the transfer window opens on Friday.

The only problem in signing Lloris is his greedy club Lyon. Remember how United had a tough time dealing with the French club when they courted Karim Benzema, who eventually landed in Madrid. Also they are wealthy and would definitely like to pocket huge amount from Manchester United for their top shot-stopper.

Manchester United need a top goalie immediately as Ben Foster and Tomasz Kuszczak have both failed to impress this season. Sir Alex Ferguson would ideally like a new keeper next month, but he will also be ready to wait until the summer to make sure United do not overspend on a player. However, the departure of VDS to attend his wife must be worrying Fergie and adding more urgency to sign Lloris.

The need for a new goalie at Old Trafford has been stressed all this season and Manchester United were linked with Igor Akinfeev who was touted to become the next Schmeichel. Fergie is a fan of the Russian keeper, but Hugo Lloris too is an impressive player. He has represented France at all age groups, and was an ever-present in France's 2005 European Under-19 Football Championship winning side.

The last French keeper we had was Fabian Barthez who was an absolute disaster. But Hugo Lloris is considered one of Europe's top young keepers and United are tracking his progress. If he arrives at Old Trafford, he could become the top shot-stopper for the Red Devils for a decade.

Manchester United have a great tradition when it comes to handling players when they are going through rough patches. They trust their players and are patient enough to help them realize their real potential and this is the reason why many players want to be associated with United.

With January transfer market approaching, there are many names linked with the Red Devils. The most prominent one being that of  Russian keeper Igor Akinfeev. He has been guarding the goal for Russia and CSKA Moscow since the last 5 years and continues to impress with his fabulous performances.

This young goalie (Yeah, he is only 23) has attracted attention from many big European clubs, but like many youngsters, Akinfeev has expressed his desire to wear the Manchester United shirt.

Recently at their Champions League encounter, Sir Alex Ferguson singled out the Russian goalie and showered praise on him. Its being said that Fergie is looking to bring Igor Akinfeev to Old Trafford as a replacement for the aging Edwin van der Sar who looks to call it a day at the end of this season.

I think it will be difficult for Fergie to overlook Ben Foster and Tomasz Kuszczak and bring in a foreign goalie who will again take some time to settle at United. But Akinfeev is an athletic and physically strong goalkeeper who is rock solid in a crowded box. Being a proven international and praised by national coach Guus Hiddink, Sir Alex will be tempted to buy someone who is young enough to remain United’s first choice for a decade.

So will Igor Akinfeev be the next Peter Schmeichel for Manchester United? Comment below please.