David Raya believes he's ready to "make that step up" as Manchester United circle around the Brentford goalkeeper.
The Bees No 1 has entered the final year of his deal and is looking to move on after four years in west London. Raya has been the club's goalkeeper for their promotion to the top flight and their impressive performances in the Premier League, which has attracted attention.
United and Tottenham are among those most heavily linked with the Spaniard, but Brentford's £40m price tag is putting the potential buyers off. The Red Devils have a limited summer budget but the possible departure of David de Gea could force their hand over the coming months.
Raya's comments may well resonate with Erik ten Hag as the Brentford man is desperate to add silverware and further his career. He told the Times : "I have ambitions to make the next step in my career. 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."
The goalkeeper is conscious that his price tag could prove problematic. Tottenham, who want a replacement for Hugo Lloris, are unlikely to buy at that price. Brentford have been shrewd operators in the transfer market, but Raya is concerned his potential buyers may consider cheaper alternatives.
He added: "I will always feel close to this team. Being part of the promotion to the Premier League is something I will never forget. I know there are rumours about me leaving. 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."
United have also been linked with Andre Onana at Inter Milan. The goalkeeper previously played under Ten Hag at Ajax and could be tempted by a reunion. Porto's Diogo Costa is also on their radar.
Brentford boss Thomas Frank has seen big players leave during his tenure, but the club have invested wisely. He confessed that the Bees will always offload their major names, but stood firm on the asking price.
He said recently: “I think we only have one player for sale. That’s the one that’s been talked a lot: David. He costs £40million, I think I said. We are a selling club — I don’t think that’s a secret. But they need to be crazy high amounts for the players if we want to have anyone to leave. I’m pretty sure that everyone, including myself, is very happy here at Brentford.”
