Manchester United closer to De Gea replacement as Brentford plan for Raya exit

Add as preferred source on Google

Brentford have a replacement for Manchester United target David Raya lined up amid interest from Manchester United.

Kicker in Germany is suggesting that Freiburg goalkeeper Mark Flekken could be on his way to Thomas Frank’s side. 

When even opposition players are highlighting just how nervous your goalkeeper appears to be with the ball at his feet, it’s probably a sign that things need to change.

Jacob Murphy, following Newcastle’s deserved 2-0 win at St James’ Park on Sunday, pretty much said what every United fan was thinking (Vibe with Five). If Erik ten Hag is to truly imprint his possession-based principles on this team, then he may need to take a leaf out of Pep Guardiola’s book and do like the City boss did back in 2016. 

But could David Raya be the Ederson Moraes to David de Gea’s Joe Hart?

Brentford’s Spain international is arguably the best in the Premier League when it comes to dictating the play from his own penalty area. Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp even likened Raya to a ’number ten’ pulling the strings between the sticks.

Manchester United like Brentford goalkeeper David Raya

Manchester United, The Telegraph say, are ‘actively scouting’ new goalkeepers even if talks over a new contract for De Gea are ongoing. And, with Raya reluctant to extend his stay at Brentford, the £20 million-rated glovesman is likely to be far more affordable than, say, Porto’s Diogo Costa.

“I hope he will stay forever. But it looks like it could be difficult with the contract situation,” Frank sighs.

“If he had three years (on his contract, his price-tag) would be £70 million. I think if he turns it down (a new contract) twice, then unfortunately that’s a signal. We made two really good offers but that’s fine. It’s a free world. We can’t force anyone (to stay).

“David has been amazing for us. I think he’s one of the best ‘keepers in this league right now.”

Raya will not be easily replaced.

Brentford could certainly do a lot worse than Mark Flekken, however; the ever-reliable shot-stopper between the sticks at Bundesliga high-flyers Freiburg. F

Flekken, according to Kicker, is a summer target for a Bees side who snapped up his former team-mate Kevin Schade back in January. 

He also has an £11.5 million release clause in his contract. 

Ten Hag, meanwhile, will get a closer look at Raya on Wednesday evening. Manchester United host Brentford at Old Trafford hoping to bounce back after a recent dip in form.