Hugo Lloris
Hugo Lloris is said to be on Manchester United's radar to replace David de Gea Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur are closely monitoring the development of Almeria goalkeeper Julian Cuesta amid the expected departure of Manchester United target Hugo Lloris during the summer transfer window, reports in Spain claim.

The France international is said to be at the top of Manchester United's shopping list to replace David de Gea should the Spaniard complete a move to Real Madrid.

During the press conference ahead of the game against Manchester City, Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino refused to guarantee Lloris will stay at White Hart Lane.

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"It is a rumour, like with other players, so I have no comment about that. I don't want to speak about rumours. That is a rumour that is impossible to stop but we need to accept it is part of the game. In football it's difficult - if you sign the contract you never have the guarantee," the manager said.

"In football you never know. But it's true that personally if I want some players to stay here I will fight a lot to keep him."

And Spanish newspaper Marca claimed the former Espanyol manager has already identified Almeria 'keeper Cuesta as an alternative should Lloris decide to leave.

The 24-year-old Spanish 'keeper has been the number two for Almeria this season due to the good form of Ruben but, according to Marca, he has impressed the Spurs staff and Newcastle United during the 15 games he has played.

Marca points out during that time Cuesta made 72 saves, only five fewer than Real Madrid keeper Iker Casillas and nine more than Barcelona's Claudio Bravo.

Furthermore, the Spanish newspaper adds Pochettino believes that, standing at 1.95m, Cuesta's strength in the air will see adapt quickly to the Premier League.

Having played and managed in La Liga before his move to Southampton, Pochettino has a good knowledge of the Spanish market, while first-team goalkeeping coach Toni Jimenez was a 'keeper for Spain.