Manchester United encouraged to replace David de Gea with Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris

Former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini believes Hugo Lloris is still Manchester United's preferred target to replace David de Gea at Old Trafford.

De Gea, 24, remains heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford having resisted the club's attempts to get him to sign a new contract.

Recent reports suggest United are holding firm in their efforts to draw a respectable transfer fee from Real Madrid, with the Mirror claiming the Premier League side are demanding £25m ($39m) for the Spain international, whose current deal expires next summer.

Cudicini, who spent three years at White Hart Lane after 10 years across town at Stamford Bridge, admits he is surprised United did not consider signing Petr Cech – who completed his move to Arsenal on Monday 29 June – amid uncertainty surrounding their current number one. But the Italian believes United's obvious choice is Lloris.

He told Talksport: "There are rumours about Hugo Lloris going there. Obviously Manchester United are a top club and top clubs want a top goalkeeper and Hugo is definitely up there.

"It's tough. I expected United to be in the running for Cech as well but it is not easy. It is such an important position that you want to be sure that whoever you take is there and will perform. Hugo Lloris could do that."

While replacements are being considered at Old Trafford, something that was confirmed by United boss Louis van Gaal towards the end of the 2014-15 season, De Gea has been urged to remain in Manchester by the club's legendary shot stopper Peter Schmeichel and create his own legacy at the club.

"I would be upset if he left this summer because I'm certain he could go on to make multiple hundreds of appearances for United – and end up winning more medals than me," Schmeichel told The Sun. "There is no reason I can see why he wouldn't be successful if he stayed for the rest of his career."