Even though David de Gea’s potential transfer to Real Madrid has little to do with Spurs, fans at White Hart Lane are nervously monitoring the situation on a daily basis, with the Spaniard’s possible move possessing the potential have a knock-on effect in North London. If reports are to be believed, Hugo Lloris is a major target for the Red Devils if they indeed are forced to shop around for a new No.1, and with the stopper having been, aside from Harry Kane, the club’s best performer last term, there is genuine worry.Although nothing is concrete, The Sun believe that the Lilywhites could turn to a certain Italian who goes by the name of Mattia Perin should they lose their French glovesman. Any FIFA video game fans out there will know all about the 22-year-old Genoa sensation, and here are FIVE reasons we think he could be a wise addition…[interaction id=“none”]

Loads of potential…

Despite being just 22, Perin is already a full Italy international, is experienced in Serie A action and has been talked about as one of tomorrow’s best goalkeepers for some time. It’s easy to see why, as the boy-ish stopper is extremely agile and mobile, even though he does lack a little in terms of being a commanding presence – which is understandable given his age.

It’s quite feasible that Perin has another 15 years ahead of him at the top level, so he has plenty of time to iron out the few flaws in his game, which could be done at White Hart Lane.

Vorm can step up and allow Perin to adjust

With Perin being 22 and Italian and English football quite different in terms of pace and approach, an immediate transition could be tricky. But luckily for Spurs they have a ready-made option to stand-in in the short-term… Michel Vorm. The Dutchman has been a benchwarmer since his arrival from Swansea last summer, and has looked for some time to be the man in line to succeed Lloris – the exit links are not new.

The presence of Vorm may permit Mauricio Pochettino to ration Perin’s game time and allow him the chance to make the transition without being thrown in completely at the deep end.

The ‘New Gianluigi Buffon’

“My role model? Buffon, always. That said, I do try and learn a little bit from all the goalkeepers I play with.” The stopper once said.

Aside from looking similar to a young Buffon, Perin’s game is not dissimilar. Excellent reflexes and last-ditch saves are somewhat the hallmark of his game, and with his status as one of the darlings of Italian football’s goalkeeping situation, there have been natural comparisons drawn.

Potential profit

Should Lloris move on for a fee of around the £25m mooted, Perin’s valuation (thought to be £15m) could allow Spurs to make a tidy profit. In a time in which earning money through transfer is vital for balancing the books and raising funds for additions, such a move could make sense for Tottenham, particularly as Lloris is believed to have his eye on Champions League football.

Moneyball signing…

A young player at a relatively small club available for a respectable fee… this one has all the hallmarks of the ‘moneyball’ approach now deployed by many clubs just outside of the very upper echelons of the game. All being well, Spurs could get up to five good years out of Perin before selling on for a large fee to make a big profit. It may not follow the ‘romantic’ notion of football, however, it’s the reality for many sides now.