Man Utd ambush Tottenham deal for crucial upgrade as serious issue dawns on Ten Hag
Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag
Although reports have been detailing the progress for a transfer for Tottenham to sign David Raya, the latest update has warned that Man Utd are still in the hunt for the Brentford goalkeeper.
Raya is up for sale at Brentford as he approaches the final year of his contract. It is not that they are dissatisfied with his performances – quite the opposite – but that they are ready to cash in on a key performer before he becomes available for free next year.
After all, the Spaniard has shown no intention of signing a new contract with Brentford. Instead, at the age of 27, he is ready to explore options elsewhere that would enable him to progress his career further.
Over the weekend, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Tottenham have almost agreed personal terms with Raya. That said, there hasn’t been as much progress in negotiations between the two clubs.
And it has now emerged via the Daily Telegraph that Man Utd are lurking in case Tottenham fail to complete the Raya transfer.
According to the report, Tottenham are ‘leading the race’ for Raya, but Man Utd ‘remain interested’ and could take advantage of any ‘hesitation’ by Spurs.
Despite that, it isn’t likely that Man Utd’s move would be urgent either, since they are currently focusing on signings in attack and midfield.
Ten Hag wants better ball-playing goalkeeper at Man Utd
Nevertheless, Erik ten Hag ‘wants to strengthen by recruiting a goalkeeper who is more comfortable in possession’, per the report. That is in comparison to David de Gea, who has an offer to extend his contract on the table but might not start as regularly as he has become used to if he stays.
If Man Utd decide Raya fits the bill, they might make a bid for him as the summer transfer window progresses.
But as stated, Tottenham are currently further along with their own pursuit of Raya, who they have outlined as a successor to Hugo Lloris. The Spurs captain could leave this summer after admitting he is nearing the end of an era.
For Raya to become his replacement, Tottenham will need to appease Brentford with a bid in the region of £40m. At this moment in time, that’s more than they are willing to pay.
Therefore, Raya’s future is still all to play for, which has captured the attention of Man Utd. One advantage of joining Ten Hag’s side would be the chance to play in next season’s Champions League, which Spurs can’t match.
But the transfer to Tottenham would allow Raya to remain in London, and the fact he has almost agreed personal terms with them proves he still rates the destination.
