Man Utd, Chelsea to match Tottenham bid for £20m-rated goalkeeper with phenomenal passing ability
Manchester United and Chelsea are reportedly ready to rival Tottenham for the signature of a goalkeeper with tremendous passing ability this summer.
Brentford stopper David Raya is the player in question, with the 27-year-old having just 18 months left on his contract and being tipped to move on at the end of the current campaign.
It was revealed earlier this month that Spurs are chasing a deal for the Spain international to replace Hugo Lloris.
However, a report in the Independent claims Raya also has admirers from Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge.
The Bees keeper has been outstanding since the club earned Premier League promotion, with his accurate distribution earning particular praise. Indeed, he was selected on Spain’s World Cup squad and has played twice for his country so far.
But with his contract starting to run down, this summer is Brentford’s last window to land a reasonable fee.
Raya cost just £3million when he was signed from Blackburn in 2019. However, the Bees are now hoping to fetch between £15-20m for his services.
Tottenham’s need for a new stopper is clearer than both United’s and Chelsea’s. That is due to the error-prone displays of Hugo Lloris this season.
The former France star is expected to head back to his homeland this summer, with his latest mistake in the north London derby once again costing his side a goal.
Raya has passing ability of a No.10!
Raya is also a much more commanding presence in possession, with Lloris often struggling with his distribution.
As for United, they are currently in talks with No.1 David de Gea about extending his stay. However, they are still openly looking at alternatives, in case those discussions stall again.
Chelsea are also assessing their keeper situation, with immediate concerns over the future of Edouard Mendy, who has lost his place to Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Much will likely depend on where the relevant suitors finish in the league. Champions League football is believed to be a target for Raya.
United are currently in pole position in that regard. Spurs are five points off and the Blues are languishing down in 10th.
As mentioned before, Raya’s ability in possession is a huge strength and led to compliments from Jurgen Klopp saying last season. The Liverpool boss said: “He should have a No 10 on his back, with the balls he played.”
The player himself told the Telegraph earlier this season: “I’ve been working on coming out from the back since I was a child. But now I’m trying to perfect it. It forces me to be cold-blooded and to have a lot of confidence in myself.”
