David Raya Target ‘Very Close To Signing For Man United’ At Erik Ten Hag’s Request’

‘From being an unknown to being on the crest of the wave,’ David Raya is ‘very close to signing for Manchester United’, according to reports.

David De Gea looks set to sign an extension at United on the back of winning the Premier League Golden Glove award, and is expected to take a significant hit to his current £375,000-a-week wages.

But a report last month claimed Brentford’s Raya was ‘one to watch’ as Ten Hag looks for alternatives for the No.1 spot at Old Trafford, and now Nacional claim he’s ‘very close to signing’.

Described as a ‘spoiled child’ by the Spanish publication, for no reason we can work out other than him being a surprise selection by Luis Enrique for the 2022 World Cup, in which he played no part, Raya moved to Brentford from Blackburn for £3m in the summer of 2019 and has been one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League this season.

The United move is said to be at the ‘request’ of Ten Hag, with the Red Devils said to be ‘willing to pay’ €51m (£44m), which is amusing seeing as Brentford boss Thomas Frank admitted earlier this month that Raya would only cost interested parties £40m.

He said: “We know the rumours about Raya not being here next season, but right now he is here.

“You all know the price – £40m – and absolutely it’s realistic.

“I think it is too much, in general, the money that is paid in football.

“But in the current market and at his level, he has been at least a top-four keeper in the Premier League this season.

“If you look at those players, in such a crucial position, then I am not in doubt.”

Chelsea are also thought to be keen on the 27-year-old, with a report claiming the Blues were considering a double swoop for him and Ivan Toney, though the latter’s ban from football has surely put paid to that prospect.

And Tottenham have also been sniffing around, as they continue to scour the market for a long-term replacement for Hugo Lloris, though they should probably finish their farcical search for a manager first.