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Cape Town - Tottenham Hotspur have increased their options in the goalkeeping department with the signing of Pau Lopez from Espanyol on a season-long loan.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino was obviously eager to make sure they had adequate cover between the sticks after first choice keeper Hugo Lloris injured his hamstring during the club's 1-1 draw against Everton on the opening day of the season.
At first the length of the loan seems somewhat curious as Lloris is expected to be back after the international break and stand-in Michel Vorm has been in excellent form in his absence. However, the deal comes with an option for Spurs to make the transfer permanent if they are satisfied with his progress throughout the campaign.
The 21-year-old was a first team regular at Espanyol last term, playing in all 36 of the club's Primera Division games, but the Spaniard will likely have to accept a much less prominent role this season for Spurs.
Pochettino has coached the youngster once before, back when they were both on the books of Barcelona.
"Pau Lopez will play on loan at Tottenham Hotspur after an agreement was reached between RCD Espanyol and the London club," read the statement on the club's official website.
"The loan is in exchange for payment with an option to buy the player should he meet set targets this season. If he does not, the player will return to RCD Espanyol, who will receive an extra bonus payment from the English club."
