Manchester United and Chelsea have reportedly joined the race for the signature of Brentford goalkeeper David Raya.
The 27-year-old has enjoyed an impressive 2022-23 campaign between the sticks for the Bees, making more saves (81) than another other goalkeeper in the Premier League.
Raya, who was included in Spain's 2022 World Cup squad, has made a total of 131 appearances for Brentford across all competitions and has been Thomas Frank's undisputed number one since arriving at the club from Blackburn Rovers in 2019.
However, Raya's long-term future in West London has been called into question as his contract is due to expire in 18 months' time.
Tottenham Hotspur have allegedly identified the Spaniard as a potential replacement for long-serving shot-stopper Hugo Lloris, 36, who is out of contract at the end of the season.
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However, The Telegraph reports that Man United and Chelsea are both ready to rival Spurs in the race to sign Raya this summer.
The report adds that Brentford may consider entertaining offers between £15m and £20m for the goalkeeper, who is admired by representatives at both Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge.
Erik ten Hag may be forced to enter the transfer market for a new goalkeeper this summer if current No.1 David de Gea decides to leave the club when his contract expires in June.
De Gea is believed to be keen to remain at Man United, but he may be required to take a significant pay cut from his £375,000-a-week salary, as the Red Devils have allegedly imposed a £200,000-a-week wage cap at the club.
Meanwhile, Chelsea may also be in the market for a new shot-stopper as there are said to be doubts over Edouard Mendy's future and Kepa Arrizabalaga's form.
Mendy, who is currently sidelined with a fracture finger, is understood to have turned down Chelsea's latest contract offer, with his current deal running until 2025.
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Kepa has filled in for the Senegal international in recent months, but there is still thought to be uncertainty over his long-term future at Stamford Bridge having failed to live up to his £72m price tag.
Both Man United and Chelsea could therefore contemplate a summer offer for Raya, who has refused to rule out a potential exit from Brentford in the near future.
"Every player has goals and wants to improve. Now I am focused on my team and in the summer, we will see what happens," Raya told AS.
"If they want to do business, they will have to do it but there is a long season left and I am only focused on doing it well. In the summer, we will assess my situation."
Raya will be eyeing his seventh clean sheet of the season when Brentford make the trip to Elland Road to face Leeds United in the Premier League on Sunday.
Oliver Thomas
