Tottenham Hotspur are 'exploring options' as they seek a long-term replacement for Hugo Lloris and Everton star Jordan Pickford is 'appreciated' at Hotspur Way, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has told GiveMeSport.

Spurs head coach Antonio Conte could bolster his squad during the remainder of the January window after seeing his side drop five points adrift of the Champions League qualification places.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update

GiveMeSport Transfer Update

Tottenham transfer news - Jordan Pickford

According to The Sun, Tottenham have been put on red alert after Pickford has not extended his Everton contract and the north Londoners are willing to nearly double his £100,000-per-week salary.

The report suggests Manchester United are providing stiff competition for the goalkeeper's services, but both sides could be frustrated in their attempts to strike a deal as he has told his current employers he is keen to stay at Goodison Park.

Respected journalist Romano recently told GiveMeSport that Everton want to attempt to tie Pickford down to fresh terms during the second half of the season.

It comes after it emerged there are doubts over the England international's future as the Toffees have not signed off on the new five-year contract he agreed before heading to the World Cup, leading to additional interest from Chelsea.

Pickford has been on Everton's books since completing a then-club record £30million switch from Sunderland five-and-a-half years ago, but he has been identified as Tottenham's top target to replace Lloris between the sticks.

What has Fabrizio Romano said about Pickford?

Romano understands that Tottenham have started planning for life after Lloris and are exploring alternative options across the continent.

The journalist is aware that Pickford is among the shot-stoppers admired by the north Londoners.

Romano told GiveMeSport: "Tottenham have to decide what their plans are with Lloris because he is not super young.

"This is why they are exploring options around Europe and Pickford is one of many goalkeepers appreciated."

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

Would Pickford be an upgrade on Lloris?

According to FBref, Pickford has averaged more saves per 90 minutes than Lloris since the campaign got underway.

Sofascore statistics show the 28-year-old has kept three Premier League clean sheets and, amid Everton's struggles, pulled off 71 stops.

A worrying performance from Lloris during the north London derby defeat to Arsenal at the weekend, which involved him scoring an own goal and resulted in being branded a 'liability' by former Premier League title winner Chris Sutton, emphasised that Conte needs to draft in a new long-term number one with a matter of urgency.

The Frenchman has made three errors leading to goals in the current Premier League campaign, which is a truly alarming statistic and demonstrates that the 36-year-old's best days are behind him.

Pickford, who has gained Everton's third-highest average match rating from WhoScored this term, could be the perfect option to replace Lloris.

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