Brentford’s David Raya suggests he would love Manchester United move

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Brentford goalkeeper David Raya has labelled Manchester United one of the ‘biggest clubs in the world’ as Erik ten Hag eyes up a summer raid on Brentford. 

Those of you wringing your hands at reports suggesting that David de Gea is on the verge of agreeing a new deal at Old Trafford – albeit with a sizeable pay cut – may be missing the point somewhat.

Just because De Gea is sticking around, that does not mean he is destined to remain Ten Hag’s go-to ‘number one’.

United, The Telegraph report, are still ‘actively scouting’ Raya and Porto’s Diogo Costa. It is no coincidence, meanwhile, that both Raya and Costa are goalkeepers in the very modern sense. Expert shot-stoppers, yes, but blessed with the passing range of a seasoned playmaker.

While some are clamouring for Ten Hag to take a leaf out of Pep Guardiola’s book and emulate the Spaniard’s brutal discarding of Joe Hart back in 2016, it makes sense for United to embark upon a more patient handover; Raya arriving to first compete with, and eventually replace, a man five years his senior.

Manchester United keen on Brentford goalkeeper David Raya

Raya is out of contract next summer. Much to Brentford’s chagrin, the former Blackburn Rovers glovesman appears to have no intention of signing an extension either.

And, when quizzed about those Manchester United links, Raya was almost blushing with pride. 

“Obviously it’s nice to hear that clubs are after you, asking about you and looking for you,” Raya tells the ‘Yours, Mine, Away!’ podcast.

“These clubs are the biggest in the world. Every player wants to play for these clubs. I have a year left (at Brentford), and I don’t know what will happen in the summer.

“I’ve said before that I’ve had two contracts that I’ve turned down. They weren’t the offers I was looking for.

“I want to push myself to the highest level. To the Champions League, the Europa League, and to win those trophies. I want to experience that and I’m at that stage in my footballing career.”

Raya, arguably the finest ball-playing goalkeeper in England, is valued at a bargain £20 million. Brentford reportedly have a replacement lined up too in the shape of Freiburg’s Mark Flekken.