Add as preferred source on Google

Over the course of the transfer window, Newcastle United were linked with what felt like hundreds of players.

Indeed, with PIF’s millions backing them and a Champions League campaign to plan for, Newcastle were touted as a landing spot for a vast array of players.

Ultimately, they made only four first-team signings amid FFP issues.

One of the more left-name players linked with a move to St James’ Park was Hugo Lloris.

The World Cup winning France captain admitted he wanted to leave Tottenham in search of a new challenge and Newcastle were credited with an interest.

Still, the 36-year-old remains a Spurs player and reports from France have lifted the lid somewhat.

Hugo Lloris thought he could leave Tottenham for free this summer

According to L’Equipe, Lazio and Newcastle were both interested in a move this summer.

For his part, Lloris was reportedly under the impression that he could leave north London for free, perhaps opening up more opportunities to find a new club.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, however, made it more difficult and Lloris ultimately rejected both the Toon and Lazio.

Lloris will see his contract expire at the end of this season, surely calling an end to his Spurs career.

Newcastle’s interest didn’t really make sense

Unless either Martin Dubravka or Loris Karius were to have left Newcastle this summer, it wouldn’t have made a huge amount of sense to sign Lloris.

While Nick Pope remains the undisputed No.1 under Eddie Howe despite a difficult start to the season, Dubravka has previously impressed during the Rafa Benitez and Steve Bruce eras.

Karius, meanwhile, has been talked up by Howe during his time on Tyneside.

With that in mind, it’s hard to see where Lloris would have fit in, unless either of them would have been afforded an exit.