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.
