Former France manager Raymond Domenech has urged Hugo Lloris to remain at Tottenham Hotspur, insisting that joining Manchester United would be a sidewards step in his career.

The 28-year-old is said to be seen as the ideal replacement for David de Gea, should the current Red Devils shot-stopper depart for Real Madrid in the coming weeks.

However, Domenech has told the Spurs skipper to set his sights higher, suggesting that United are no longer a big force on the European stage.

"I have no decision to take for him, but in my opinion he has to play in Chelsea, Arsenal or Manchester City, to play in the European Cup," he is quoted as saying by ESPN. "Tottenham is a big club - it is not the biggest. Manchester United qualified for the Champions League, but I can't see really the difference with Tottenham.

"For me, it's Chelsea, Arsenal or Manchester City. Because I think Manchester United is no more a big club, in England, for me. I think like that.

"I think Arsenal will be every time a big club, Chelsea also - City is becoming a big club - but I think United is with Tottenham, with the other clubs. Not one of the biggest clubs, so there's no difference. For me, he's a great goalkeeper so he needs to be in the best English club, or French, or Italian, or German."

Domenech, who led Les Blues to the 2006 World Cup final, gave Lloris his international debut in 2008.