Tottenham Hotspur could look to sign Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier as a successor to long-serving stalwart Hugo Lloris, according to Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge.

Lloris will turn 36 next month and whilst he's under his £100k-per-week contract until June 2024, it's fair to suggest that the Lilywhites skipper will not be around forever.

There have been reports claiming that the club are keen to take on an understudy before he moves on - or even retires - and that isn't likely to be current backup Fraser Forster, 34.

TEAMtalk have even suggested that this current campaign will be Lloris' last as the first-choice glovesman at Hotspur Way, with the likes of Jamie Carragher criticising the France international by saying:  “Defenders and keeper are not at the level he [Conte] needs.”

Meslier, meanwhile, has regularly been floated about as a viable heir to the no.1 spot and when asked about likely replacements, Bridge told Football FanCast that the young Whites shot-stopper he could be a genuine target.

"Illan Meslier from Leeds," he said.

"I actually think he has got a lot of Hugo Lloris tendencies - some good, some bad. But I think he's grown into the Premier League, so he's someone Spurs might look at."

Lloris has been a largely reliable goalkeeper over his ten-year spell at Tottenham, though in recent times, some of his performances have been called into question.

Given his age, it would certainly be wise for sporting director Fabio Paratici to plan for the future and Meslier could well be the perfect candidate, especially if he were to develop for another six to 12 months under the stewardship of Lloris.

Last season, the 21-year-old registered more saves (142) than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League but his save accuracy was amongst the three worst in the division (as per FBref).

That is largely because Leeds' backline is far worse, so more chances are created against him. At Spurs, he would surely face fewer shots and could therefore make an impressive impact.

It remains to be seen if Leeds would even let their "rare talent" - in the words of The Athletic's Phil Hay - leave Elland Road and for how much, given CIES Football Observatory value him at around £34m, but if Paratici and co can complete a move for him, then Spurs could put their long-term future in very safe hands.