Tottenham, Man Utd left in limbo as Prem duo’s summer target admits club ‘needs to let me go’
David Raya admits he is ambitious to join a club playing in Europe and is worried that the fee Brentford want for him may prevent a summer move.
The 27-year-old has just completed his fourth season for the Bees. Two of those were in the Championship but he has played a full part since the club’s elevation to the Premier League. His form for Thomas Frank’s side echoed that of Brentford’s last term.
They ended up ninth, with 15 wins and 14 draws from their 38 games.
The west Londoners won five of their last six top-flight games, beating champions Manchester City on the final day of the season.
Raya’s form between the posts did not go unnoticed. Both Tottenham and Manchester United are said to be monitoring his situation.
Raya has just one year left on his current deal and the Bees have already signed his replacement in Mark Flekken
And Frank has admitted that he expects to lose the Spain international during the off-season.
It seemed to be a straight shootout between the Red Devils and Spurs. But his valuation appears to be a sticking point.
Brentford want £40m but neither of the top-flight giants seem prepared to pay that much.
That prompted the keeper’s agent to issue a threat to his current employers.
READ MORE: Tottenham transfers: ‘Great offer’ made as Postecoglou seeks Man Utd outcast as ‘first objective’
Jaume Munell recently said that he would leave as a free agent in 12 months’ time if the club does not lower their asking price.
And now Raya has opened up on the current impasse over his future.
Ambitious Raya seeks Brentford exit
Raya made his name at Blackburn Rovers. Having come up through the club’s youth teams, he made 108 appearances in all competitions before moving to the capital.
He has continued to develop at the Gtech Community Stadium, with 161 appearances in all competitions.
He may have kicked his last ball for the club but confessed that the finances involved might hold him back.
“I know there are rumours about me leaving,” he told The Times. “There are some options for me to go but obviously Brentford are asking for a lot of money.
“That could make clubs not want to buy me, it could make them look somewhere else.
“But if that’s the value they give me then it’s up to them. I have a year left on my contract and until then I’m a Brentford player, there’s nothing I can do.”
Raya pleas for Brentford exit
Tottenham are thought to be eager to sign Raya but rumours will not go away that United are still in the race for his signature.
He is clearly a player in demand and made it clear that he wants to sample life at a bigger club.
“I have ambitions to make the next step in my career,” he added. “I want to try to win titles and to compete in Europe in the next couple of years.
“I’m 27 now and I feel like I’m at the point in my career when I want to make that step up. There are options out there but it’s not just my ambitions, the club also needs to let me go.”
However, the Spaniard made it clear he will honour his contract if no solution is found this summer.
“I’m a professional. If I end up staying at Brentford I will always give my all, that’s my job,” he continued.
“If I have to stay, I’ll try to have an even better season than last season.”
