Tottenham could be rivalled by Newcastle United for the signing of a highly-rated goalkeeper in Ligue 1.
Tottenham Hotspur have started planning for life after goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, and have several candidates in their shortlist.
Vicario is thought to be keen to return to Serie A after three years in North London, with Inter Milan and Juventus showing an interest in a move. The Italian international has failed to become the reliable presence in goal which Tottenham fans and the club officials hoped to see. The shot-stopper’s time in N17 has been sub-par, and if Spurs are to grow as a team and become a solid defensive unit, moving on from Vicario in the summer is an absolute must.
Several goalkeepers have been linked with a move to Tottenham in recent weeks. Manchester City’s James Trafford is among the top targets to replace Vicario, while there is interest in Crystal Palace skipper Dean Henderson. Another candidate who is wanted by Spurs is RC Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser.
Newcastle United to rival Tottenham for Robin Risser
Robin Risser only moved to RC Lens last summer and has enjoyed a breakout season in Ligue 1. He has been a key figure in RC Lens’ rise as surprise title contenders, conceding only 21 goals in 24 Ligue 1 appearances, whilst keeping nine clean sheets. However, Spurs aren’t the only Premier League club keen on the Frenchman.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Newcastle United are keen on signing Risser in the summer. They are ready to battle Tottenham for the Lens shot-stopper’s services, having monitored him closely in recent weeks.
The Magpies’ interest in Risser has intensified after the poor performances of Nick Pope. Current No.1, Pope made a costly error in Newcastle’s 3-2 defeat to Everton on Saturday, and that hasn’t been his only mistake this campaign. Eddie Howe wants an upgrade on the Englishman in the summer, leading to the club chiefs keeping an eye on Risser’s performances in Ligue 1.
Ready for the big move?
The time may be right for Risser to take the next step in his career and join a club competing regularly in Europe and fighting for trophies. At the moment, it would be completely out of order to mention Tottenham as his ideal destination, purely because of the situation they currently find themselves in.
The Lilywhites are battling relegation under interim boss Igor Tudor, and the only way they can realistically have a chance to compete with Newcastle for Risser is if they stay in the Premier League. So, Newcastle seemingly find themselves better placed to land the Lens glovesman.
A commanding presence at 6ft 4ins, with strong reflexes and good technical ability, Risser would be a huge upgrade on the error-strewn Pope at St James’ Park. He’d also be a fantastic option to replace Vicario, but everything would depend on Tottenham’s status at the end of the season.
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