Tottenham are poised to make Fraser Forster their second signing of a pivotal summer window under Antonio Conte.
The former England goalkeeper passed a medical at Spurs last week and, as first reported by Fabrizio Romano, has agreed a two-year deal to move to north London when his Southampton contract expires at the end of the month.
Forster’s arrival, set to be officially announced soon, will follow hot on the heels of versatile Croatian winger Ivan Perisic, who has also penned a two-year deal to reunite with Conte after leaving Inter Milan.
Tottenham were known to want a homegrown back-up to long-serving captain Hugo Lloris, who in January extended his contract at the club until 2024, with Italian deputy Pierluigi Gollini having flattered to deceive this season during an innocuous loan stint from Atalanta in Serie A.
Spurs had initially held an interest in signing current England ‘keeper Sam Johnstone, who will leave Championship side West Brom when his own contract expires this month.
They were at one stage considered in pole position to beat Manchester United to a deal, only to then switch their attentions quickly to Forster. London rivals Crystal Palace are now considered as the front-runners to sign Johnstone.
Former Celtic star Forster has made 161 total appearances for Southampton across all competitions since moving to St Mary’s in 2014, initially starting this season as second-choice behind Alex McCarthy before regaining the starting job under Ralph Hasenhuttl after Christmas.
The 34-year-old also made his senior England debut in 2013 and has earned six total caps since, returning to the squad for the first time since 2017 in March as a late replacement for the ill Johnstone for friendlies against Switzerland and Ivory Coast at Wembley. He last played for the Three Lions in 2016.
