Hugo Lloris hints he was open to Manchester United switch but is happy at Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has hinted he would have liked to join Manchester United but is happy to remain as the No 1 at White Hart Lane. During a summer where David de Gea appeared on the brink of an inevitable move to Real Madrid, Lloris was frequently linked with a move to Old Trafford to succeed the Spaniard in goal.

During the summer, French newspaper L'Equipe suggested on more than one occasion a bid from Old Trafford was imminent. Lloris, who signed a new five-year deal at the club in 2014, admitted he has aspirations to play for a Champions League side during those months, but Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino insisted in August the France international would not be sold.

Despite frantic deadline day talks with Real Madrid, United eventually held on to De Gea, ensuring the club's pursuit of a replacement is likely to wait until next summer. When asked about the summer links between him and United, Lloris told a press conference: "A lot of things were said and written. There could have been a development there but the desired movement didn't happen," L'Equipe reported.

"I have a lot of affection for Tottenham, I feel respected. I have a very good relationship with the staff and I am ready to play the best season possible."

On a frantic deadline day, France boss Didier Deschamps briefly got pulses racing when he told reporters he would release Lloris from his France squad if a transfer offer came in, as he had done so with Anthony Martial who was allowed to travel to Manchester for talks with Louis van Gaal's side.

"I have seen some media report that Hugo Lloris could leave too. If there is another case that presents itself, I would act in the same way (as with Anthony Martial)," Deschamps was quoted as saying by RMC Sport.