Manchester United Transfer News: Hugo Lloris Talks Opened, David De Gea Latest

Manchester United have made contact with the representatives of Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, according to reports in France.

L'Equipe's report was also cited by Jamie Sanderson of the Metro, who indicates the Red Devils could offer £25 million plus Victor Valdes for the French stopper. Get French Football tweeted a summary of L'Equipe's article:

Lloris would only be needed if David De Gea is sold. David Anderson of the Mirror believes United have offered De Gea £200,000 per week to stop the former Atletico Madrid man being lured to the Spanish capital and that he is "happy to sign."

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Sky Sports' Graham Hunter recently told Revista de La Liga that Madrid are likely in two minds over spending big on the impressive 24-year-old:

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My opinion is that Real Madrid want to sign David de Gea but, equally, don't particularly fancy the furore of the Spain No.1 and No.2 either sharing the Liga, Copa Del Rey and Champions League games like Diego Lopez and (Iker) Casillas did last season.

They also don't want the constant speculation over whether De Gea and Casillas, if at the same club, work well together, fall out and so on.

"

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Hunter continued by saying, "If Madrid are determined to prise De Gea away from Manchester United then the ball is definitely back in their court now."

ESPN FC's panel recently discussed whether Madrid should consider using forward Gareth Bale to lure De Gea away from Old Trafford:

Possessing Bale—a player United continue to be linked with, per John Richardson of the Sunday Express—provides Madrid with plenty of options to explore if De Gea is to be brought in.

How De Gea's scenario plays out would dictate United's need for Lloris. It's highly likely the French No. 1 will miss out on Champions League football again with Spurs this season despite an impressive year from his personal point of view. United need two wins from their final three matches to secure elite European football after losing to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

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Lloris is arguably the sport's most natural top-flight sweeper keeper. He quickly bursts off his line to meet incoming threats in the same manner that has made Bayern Munich's Manuel Neuer such a favourite across the globe. Lloris is also an excellent shot-stopper and dominates his box when concentration is maintained.

United have invested four years in prepping De Gea to be a top-class Premier League goalkeeper, so it would be disappointing to see him leave. His appearance in this year's PFA Team of the Year was well-deserved, as Louis van Gaal's men would be out of the top-four hunt if it wasn't for their acrobatic keeper between the sticks.

Lloris isn't a major step down, however, and he could fill the void. His Premier League experience would be key, as the Spurs man has toughened up since arriving from Lyon in 2012.

These rumours will subside if De Gea inks a new deal, a decision that could be influenced by whether or not Van Gaal secures Champions League football in the coming weeks.