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Tottenham Hotspur have signed Espanyol goalkeeper Pau Lopez on a season-long loan with an option to make the move permanent. Lopez, 21, is expected to compete with Michel Vorm to be understudy to Hugo Lloris, who should return from a hamstring strain after the international break. Spurs' previous third-choice goalkeeper, Luke McGee, has joined League One club Peterborough United on loan. A statement on Espanyol's official website read: "Pau Lopez will play on loan at Tottenham Hotspur after an agreement was reached between RCD Espanyol and the London club. "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." Lopez was coming through the ranks during Mauricio Pochettino's time as coach of Espanyol and has been first-choice at the club since Kiko Casilla's move to Real Madrid last summer. The keeper has previously been included in Spain's senior squad, although he is yet to win a cap, and he has also represented Catalonia. In Lloris' absence, Vorm impressed in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Liverpool at White Hart Lane but the Dutchman now faces a battle for a spot on the bench for the remainder of the season. Speaking after the match, Vorm told reporters that Lopez's impending arrival would have "no change" on him.
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