Summer battle heats up for Prem ace as agent’s threat puts Chelsea, Man Utd, Tottenham on red alert

Summer battle heats up for Prem ace as agent’s threat puts Chelsea, Man Utd, Tottenham on red alert

Brentford pair David Raya and Ivan Toney

Brentford face a battle to get full value for goalkeeper David Raya after the player’s agent reportedly demanded the Bees lower their asking price.

The west Londoners enjoyed a superb campaign, finishing ninth in the Premier League table. And they capped a glorious 10 months by beating champions Manchester City on the final day of the season. Thomas Frank’s men were only a couple of points shy of securing European football for 2023-2024.

And talk has already turned towards what might happen during the off-season. The Danish tactician knows he has to build on this season’s results.

And he is keen to keep the majority of his squad together. However, the popular coach recently confessed that his goalkeeper is likely to leave.

“I think we only have one player for sale,” he said. “That’s the one that’s been talked a lot: David. He costs £40million, I think I said.”

Both United and Spurs have been linked as they seek an upgrade on their current keepers.

And the Blues are also though to be in the frame, with Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy under pressure following the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino.

Raya has been superb during four seasons for Brentford. And it appears as though his agent is anxious to see a move happen sooner rather than later.

His representative, Jaume Munell, from Futbol21Pro, has made it clear where he stands on the issue.

As quoted by Fabrizio Romano, he said: “If Brentford does not lower the price tag for David Raya this summer, we’ll be ready to leave as free agent in one year.”

Options open for Raya

While it is inevitable that Raya will leave the Gtech Community Stadium this summer, his destination is far from clear.

Red Devils chief Erik ten Hag does not know if he will have veteran David de Gea at his disposal next term.

The Spaniard is due to fall out of contract at the end of next month and is yet to pen fresh terms.

There are a few pundits, Roy Keane included, who feel he should be moved on after a string of high-profile and costly blunders.

That would open the way for his compatriot to take over between the posts at Old Trafford.

There are also doubts over Hugo Lloris at Spurs. The Frenchman is also prone to mistakes, and the north Londoners could be seeking a younger alternative.

However, a recent report suggested that Tottenham are willing to pay only half the £40m asking fee.

Chelsea are the third club thought to be involved.  Pochettino is eager to shake things up, with one of the two established keepers set to be jettisoned.

Therefore Raya may well have the pick of three huge clubs when he does finally leave Brentford.

Frank has already recruited his replacement, with Mark Flekken signed for £11m from SC Freiburg on Wednesday.

Previous Post Next Post
close