Hugo Lloris is the future of Tottenham's goalkeeping position, that should be a certainty. But in trying to sort out the 'now' Spurs must be careful not to damage that future by frustrating him.
The Frenchman is his country's number one, and national manager Didier Deschamps wants him to be playing regularly to keep that spot.
This is why a loan move may seem like an odd one, but it could be a good thing for club and player right now.
Brad Friedel may be 41, but he is in the form of his life, and he is the one consistently good element of Tottenham's start to the season, even if he is yet to keep a clean sheet.
Lloris was bought not because he needs replacing now, but because he will do in the future. Goalkeepers of his quality do not often come on the market, so Spurs were wise to snap him up while they could, for a very reasonable price.
Regardless of his undoubted quality, Lloris may take his time to adjust to the nuances of the Premier League. It can be a tricky league to adapt to, just ask David de Gea, who is still trying to crack it.
It won't help when there is a general view that Friedel has done little wrong, and any minor mistake Lloris makes will be seized upon by the press.
If he goes out on loan to another Premier League side, it would allow a bedding in period into Premier League life, and should guarantee first team football.
This would keep Lloris happy, and ensure he keeps his place as the France number one. Then next summer, Spurs will recall an even better goalkeeper, and can part ways with Friedel by which time he will turn 42.
It can't happen now, because the transfer window is closed, so this is another effect of Spurs leaving their business until the last minute, if they wanted to take the option it is not available to them.
But it has to be a possibility in January, or by that time will Lloris have already settled at Spurs? Will AVB still be in a job?
What do you think Spurs should do with Lloris in the short-term?
image: © wonker
Dan Coombs
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Dan Coombs is a writer who is keen to embrace the internet revolution. He first started writing for us in June 2011 and commenced his new role as Sports Editor in February 2012.
As a trained journalist he has met famous faces from Mr T to Boris Johnson. He once featured in an England World Cup music video too, but it did not make the charts.
He grew up wanting to be a Formula 1 driver, but it looks like this dream has passed him by. Instead, he hopes you enjoy reading his writing on our site, as we seek to debate the day's sporting hot topics.
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