Ex-manager 'suspicious' as Tottenham in advanced talks over 'strange' Gollini deal
Alex McLeish has admitted he is "suspicious" as Tottenham close in on a loan-to-buy deal for Atalanta goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini.
The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested Spurs must have doubts over the 26-year-old if they are not willing to sign him outright.
As revealed by Football Insider on Wednesday (July 21st), Tottenham are in advanced talks to sign Gollini on loan with a view to buy.
Sky Sports report the shot-stopper has undertaken the first part of his medical in Italy ahead of the move to north London.
Spurs are said to have agreed a £13million purchase fee which will be triggered if Gollini plays a certain number of games.
McLeish admitted he found the move "strange" and questioned whether the Italian would replace Hugo Lloris.
"Sometimes you're a little bit suspicious when it's a loan-to-buy," McLeish told Football Insider's Russell Edge.
"What's going on? It kind of gets the supporters asking questions. I guess that's possibly one of the modern-day foils going forward.
"Especially when you don't want to commit to a big, massive fee for individuals that you possibly don't have 100 per cent thoughts about. A loan deal seems strange.
"It seems strange that a loan goalkeeper will come in and take the place of a Hugo Lloris. Goalkeepers go a long while. He's not a young goalkeeper but he's very experienced.
"They're sometimes even more valuable. Lloris, from having a tough spell for a while, had a decent end to the season.
"He was also not one of the failures in the France team."