Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are ready to battle it out for the signing of Saint-Etienne goalkeeper Etienne Green.
According to a recent report from Fichajes, Tottenham and West Ham have both entered the market for Etienne Green. The two clubs are looking for a new goalkeeper next summer, with the Saint-Etienne starlet emerging as an ideal option.
A native of Colchester, who also holds a French passport, Green has been one of the rising stars in Ligue 1 this year, after enjoying his breakthrough during the second half of last season. He has already featured in 17 competitive matches for Saint-Etienne, nine of which have come in the ongoing campaign.
Green’s rapid rise to prominence has put Tottenham on red alert, as they continue their search for a long-term replacement for Hugo Lloris. The ageing goalkeeper could leave the club after the end of the season with his contract running out and although the club did bring in Pierluigi Gollini in the summer, they are intent on adding more competition in goal.
The Lilywhites have been linked with a move for West Brom ‘keeper Sam Johnstone. But Green could prove to be a cost-effective alternative, knowing the club can take advantage of Saint-Etienne’s financial situation to strike a low-price deal for the 21-year-old Englishman.
West Ham, meanwhile, are also looking for a long-term replacement for the ageing Lukasz Fabianski. The former Arsenal man has already announced his retirement from the Polish national side and could leave the club at the end of the season.
The Hammers do have Alphonse Areola as their first-choice ‘keeper. But his loan contract expires next summer and most importantly, the former PSG man does not have a strong competitor.
Green fits the bill perfectly, having shown immense potential during his time at Saint-Etienne. Standing at 1.90m, his imposing frame, coupled with his excellent shot-stopping quality might just be exactly what the club needs right now, as they look to move on from Fabianski next season.
With the two London clubs set to go head to head in the pursuit of Green, we are certainly in for an exciting chase next year. But it won’t be surprising to see at least one of these clubs settling for an academy option and using the additional fund to target outfield players.