Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes Brentford Goalkeeper David Raya could be the perfect replacement for David de Gea when he leaves Old Trafford.
Raya has entered the final 18 months of his contract and has rejected two new deals from the Bees amid interest elsewhere.
“I think Raya would interest United in the summer, Neville told The Overlap.
“I went to watch Brentford a couple of weeks ago… I think he’s going to become available, he’s only got a year left. I think he could step up.”
The Spaniard was named in the 26-man World Cup squad last year ahead of the United keeper but failed to make an appearance at the tournament. Athletic Bilbao’s Unai Simon started all of four of Spain’s matches in Qatar.
Manchester United are in ongoing talks with de Gea over a new deal however it is unlikely that it will be a long-term contract given his age.
Neville highlighted the pressure of being a United goalkeeper:
“It is a problem that. I’ve said it’s the single most difficult position in English football being the Manchester United goalkeeper. I genuinely believe that.
“I think the Manchester United goalkeeper comes under more scrutiny if they make a mistake than any other position in English football on the pitch.”
De Gea has come under a great deal of scrutiny in recent years with many critics suggesting his performance levels have dropped however, he has certainly proved many doubters wrong under Erik ten Hag’s stewardship.
The 32-year-old has kept 10 Premier League clean sheets this season, the third most in the league only behind Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope.
