Over the past few weeks, Tottenham have been reportedly tracking Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Pickford has been identified by Mauricio Pochettino as the long-term shot-stopper he desires to have at White Hart Lane amid fears that Hugo Lloris may move on.

The 22-year-old has been in sensational form for Sunderland this season following his promotion from the youth team to the club's senior squad. His vital saves and match-saving moments have ensured Black Cats' Premier League survival bid remains alive and kicking.

Meanwhile, Spurs currently possess one of the finest goalkeepers in European football in Lloris, but there are fears he may move on next summer if the Londoners fail to qualify for the Champions League, which is a distinct possibility given the competition at the top end of English football.

Pickford, then, could be an appealing option in a few months' time, and here are FIVE reasons why Spurs should target him in 2017...

Hugo Lloris may leave

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Tottenham's Hugo Lloris 
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When a key performer is expected to depart the club, any manager worth his salary will ensure a suitable replacement is lined up.

Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid remain interested in Lloris, according to The Sun, and should Spurs lose him, Pickford would be a worthy replacement.

Given time, Pickford could emulate Lloris' success at White Hart Lane, however, he would have big gloves to fill.

Age and longevity

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At the youthful age of 22, Pickford has the potential to become one of the best goalkeepers in European football.

Unlike outfield footballers, being a goalkeeper means Pickford has longer at the top end of the game, which could benefit Tottenham for years to come.

Better value than Joe Hart

Joe Hart Torino

If Hugo Lloris departs Tottenham for pastures new, another top class goalkeeper is required and Joe Hart could be seen as an option.

Nonetheless, signing Hart would cost Spurs upwards of £20million, and his wages could cost more than £100,000-per-week, based on his current salary at Manchester City.

Pickford would demand considerably less than Hart.

Pochettino's influence

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As everyone has witnessed with Mauricio Pochettino, his ability to make potentially good players into great players has become an essential component in Spurs' success in recent years.

If Pickford moved south to north London, working with the Argentine manager could see him become one of European football's best goalkeepers.

People need to look at Harry Kane, Danny Rose and Kyle Walker and their transition from good players to great under the former Southampton boss.

Sign him before their rivals do

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Goalkeepers this season have become a major talking point.

The form Claudio Bravo at Manchester City, Loris Karius at Liverpool and the possible chance of David De Gea departing Manchester United for Real Madrid could mean these three clubs may be searching for a new shot-stopper and soon.

Pickford's age, potential and price make him an ideal candidate to replace the goalkeepers mentioned so Spurs should swoop and get one over on their title rivals.