Brentford are willing to play hardball over in-demand keeper David Raya amid interest from Chelsea and Tottenham and will hold the Spaniard to the final year of his deal if their £40m valuation is not met
Brentford are willing to play hardball to get their valuation on goalkeeper David Raya.
Despite interest from Chelsea, Tottenham remain in pole position for the £40million-rated keeper.
As Transfer Confidential previously reported, talks have begun, but Tottenham hope to sign him for £20m with the Bees seeking double that figure.
Brentford have made it clear that they will hold Raya to the final year of his contract if a suitable bid closer to their price-tag does not arise.
It means that Raya could potentially leave the club on a free transfer next summer, if no club meets their valuation and the Spaniard decides to leave at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.
David Raya could stay at Brentford for the final year of his deal if his £40m valuation is not met
Brentford are prepared to risk losing Raya for nothing next summer (boss Thomas Frank pictured)
Tottenham hope to sign Raya on the cheap as a potential replacement for Hugo Lloris
Chelsea also hold interest and Raya could come in for Kepa Arrizabalaga or Edouard Mendy
Brentford have already signed Mark Flekken so have a ready-made replacement and could leave Raya on the bench to make their point.
Tottenham’s interest in Raya could coincide with Hugo Lloris’ departure from the club.
The French World Cup winner recently indicated his desire to pursue a new challenge.
Lloris explained: ‘We are coming to an important moment, whether for the club or for me. It’s the end of an era. I have desires for other things.’
Chelsea meanwhile have also been linked with a number of keepers with uncertainty over the futures of their current options Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy.
Brentford are maintaining contact over Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres but are aware the Sweden international has interest from Sporting Lisbon and Fulham.
Strasbourg’s Habib Diallo is another contender to be brought in to fill the void left by Ivan Toney’s suspension.
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