Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Hugo Lloris, Top Red Devils Rumours

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris says he expects more from his team in Europe in the coming months, but he is happy to remain with Spurs for the foreseeable future.

The team captain reaffirmed his current contentment at White Hart Lane, saying he is "happy" to still be at the club. 

Sky Sports reports the prized France international "remains totally committed" to Mauricio Pochettino's team as they look for success in the Europa League. However, the skipper had stern words regarding the club, and his personal expectations, but he also spoke about his desire to stay in London:

"

I expect more from Tottenham and I expect more from me as well. We need to go as far as possible in the competition. 

...

I am happy with Tottenham. I already replied to that type of question. The only thing I can say is I am happy with Tottenham and will do my best to get the best results possible. 

I do not talk about my future or my past; I am just focused on the game tomorrow and the Premier League as well. There are a lot of competitions for me to play. I am happy to be at Tottenham and their captain.

"

Jon Super/Associated Press

Lloris' name was touted as a replacement for De Gea during the Spaniard's expected move to Real Madrid in August, per Charles Reynolds of the Independent.

The 28-year-old has been impressive since his arrival from Lyon in 2012, clocking up over a century of appearances for the north London club. The 'keeper claimed eight clean sheets for Spurs during the 2014-15 Premier League campaign, according to Squawka.com, helping his team to a European berth. 

Despite his very public dedication to Spurs, Lloris recently spoke about a move that didn't materialise in the summer months, per L'Equipe (h/t James Cambridge of the Express): "A lot of things were said and written—there could have been a development there but the desired movement didn't happen."

Jon Super/Associated Press

This suggests the player might have had contact with United, but any interest evaporated once De Gea's transfer back to the Spanish capital fell through in the final minutes of the transfer window. DDG has now signed a new deal with the Red Devils, per Sky Sports, but it will be no surprise if United have to shop around for a new No. 1 next year. 

But in the short-term, De Gea's retention remains vital, especially while players like Lloris remain off the market. Former United great Gary Neville believes DDG's performance against Liverpool—in his team's 3-1 over their archrivals—proved Van Gaal cannot do without his star player, as quoted on The Gary Neville Podcast (h/t David Wright of the Express):

"

It's a big thing for Manchester United to have him stay for the rest of this season. 

If Manchester United had Sergio Romero in the net today - it's no disrespect to him - maybe one or two of those moments Liverpool had wouldn't have been saved.

He made a really good save at the end from Jordon Ibe, so I think when you look at it and think about De Gea today, he will save Manchester United points. 

De Gea's a match-winning goalkeeper, and Manchester United have had too many experiences - good and bad over the years - around goalkeepers.

"

Jon Super/Associated Press

Barcelona legend Xavi said his piece about United's goalkeeping issues surrounding De Gea and Victor Valdes, per Marca (h/t Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC), commenting on the rumours of discontent between Van Gaal and his Spanish stoppers:

"

With Victor I don't know what happened. At the time, Van Gaal helped him to go to United, but something happened between them. They are two guys with very strong characters. With De Gea I am sure that it was all done face to face, without any deception. Van Gaal is very direct and honest. I prefer people like that. A trustworthy guy, which does not mean to say he cannot make mistakes.

"

If De Gea does eventually depart Old Trafford, Lloris is the type of name supporters would expect the club to move for. It suits Lloris to remain at Spurs for the coming season, but a bad campaign from Pochettino's men would make the player think about his options. 

Lloris wont come cheap; United will have to factor this into their spending, and he might cost a similar amount to a departing De Gea, depending on what the Spaniard has agreed with United. 

But Van Gaal will know he is getting an excellent talent to replace his double club Player of the Year if he is forced to do so, with Lloris ready-made for the big stage.