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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Nizaar Kinsella

Brentford manager Thomas Frank confirms David Raya ‘open secret’ as Bayern ready bid for keeper

Thomas Frank says it is an “open secret” Brentford want to sell goalkeeper David Raya as Bayern Munich chase his signature.

The 27-year-old is valued at £40million as Thomas Tuchel’s side seek a new number one after Manuel Neuer broke his leg while skiing in December.

Raya refuses to sign a new deal as he looks to move to a bigger club than the Bees. He last month saw Tottenham walk away from negotiations with Brentford due to the asking price.

”He is a Brentford player so far as I know,” Frank told reporters on Saturday. “It is an open secret we want to sell him for the right amount.

“He has been training hard, a good professional. He has been a top I can’t praise him enough. Incredibly good in terms of being a top pro, training well and really, really good and positive.

“I think it’s natural that he would like to leave if it’s a good opportunity for him. We all think it’s a good idea at the right price.

“That means probably means it is probably going towards that and we are focusing on the other keepers we have. It is a good dialogue and everything is in a fine place.”

Asked if Bayern are willing to match the price tag, he added: “I’m never going into that. That’s Phil’s [Giles] and Matthew’s [Benham] job.”

Asked whether Raya will face Aston Villa in the upcoming Premier League Series at the FedExField, he said: “Maybe, it is a no.”

Frank also praised his side’s first pre-season tour of the United States, adding: “It has been a great tournament, great games in fantastic venues in front of the American fans.

“Some great experiences for all the staff and players to give memories and gives a bit of an extra bond.”

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