Man United and Spurs handed boost in David Raya pursuit
Man United and Tottenham handed huge boost in their pursuit of wantaway Brentford goalkeeper David Raya as ‘the Bees pursue a move for Freiburg’s Mark Flekken’ after the Spaniard rejected two contract extensions in west London
- Mark Flekken has kept 10 clean sheets in the Bundesliga for Freiburg this season
- The Black Forest outlet currently sit in fourth place in the German top-flight
- Thomas Frank admits the Bees will struggle to keep hold of Raya amid interest
Brentford are reportedly targeting a new goalkeeper this summer, seemingly consigning themselves to the impending departure of current No 1 David Raya.
The Bees now look likely to cash in on the Spanish goalkeeper at the end of the season, after he twice turned down approaches to extend his stay at the Gtech Community Stadium beyond the end of 2023-24.
Raya has been in fine form for the Bees this season, and has turned the heads of several Premier League rivals, with Tottenham and Manchester United thought to be high among the list of suitors.
Both club’s currently boast long-standing stoppers in Hugo Lloris and David de Gea, yet Brentford’s pursuit of Freiburg keeper Mark Flekken will serve as a boost to their hopes of bringing in a new face between the sticks, according to The Sun.
Although Thomas Frank was keen to hold onto the Spaniard, he admitted that the club will struggle to hold onto him with heavy interest from elsewhere but suggested it would take around £40million to prise him away.
Mark Flekken has four caps for Netherlands to his name and has 10 clean sheets this season
Brentford’s David Raya has emerged as one of the most highly-regarded goalkeepers in the Premier League
Flekken has been one of Freiburg’s stand-out performers this term as the Black Forest outlet occupy fourth place in the Bundesliga.
The 29-year-old has kept 13 clean sheets in all competitions – 10 of which have come in the league – and has played four times for Netherlands since making his debut in March 2022.
And his current club are eager to hold onto one of their star performers, with the club’s sporting director outlining Freiburg’s intentions to tie him down to a new deal with a release clause higher than the currently stipulated £11.4m, as per reports.
‘We don’t want to leave things until May,’ said Klemens Hartenbach.
‘We want to clarify Mark’s situation so we can make definite plans.’
With Freiburg, Flekken has had his first experience at the highest level, having previously spent time at lower-league German sides such as Duisburg, Aachen and Greuther Furth.
Dutch goalkeeper Flekken currently has a £11.44million release clause in his Freiburg contract
The Spaniard has forced his way into the reckoning for Spain’s No 1 jersey after impressing in west London
Raya has emerged as one of the English top-flight’s most in-demand goalkeepers, and in recent seasons has forced his way into the reckoning for the Spanish No 1 jersey.
He joined the west London side while they were still in the Championship in 2019, and has been crucial to their sustained Premier League status and subsequent European push this season.
Spurs are thought to be keen to replace Lloris this summer, with the former French skipper now 36, while United’s De Gea is yet to have his contract extended beyond the end of the current season.
And Bees boss Frank suggested that even if his side should qualify for Europe’s second- or third-tier competition, they still might struggle to keep hold of his Spanish star.
Hugo Lloris could be replaced in summer at Tottenham with the former French captain now 36
David de Gea’s contract at Manchester United expires at the end of the current campaign
Danish boss Thomas Frank suggested that Brentford will struggle to hold onto Ray this summer
‘I think we need to get into the Champions League and then he would consider it!’ he said.
‘I love David as a keeper. I really believe he is one of the best in the Premier League.
‘If someone wants to come and buy him, he is very expensive. He will be, for me, at least £40m-plus. No doubt about that.
‘No matter what happens, we will be able to at least contact a replacement. They don’t always want to come, but we do our best to persuade them. But of course we are prepared for any scenario.’
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