Goalkeeper is one of the areas Erik ten Hag is keen on improving this summer despite the imminent confirmation of David de Gea’s two-year contract extension.
The Spaniard has been a mainstay in the side since he joined from Atletico Madrid 12 years ago but is out of contract at the end of this month.
The club chose not to exercise their clause to extend his contract for an additional season and instead opted to negotiate fresh terms.
De Gea has, however, come under heavy criticism this season despite winning his second Golden Glove award, with some claiming that he does not fit Ten Hag’s way of playing.
Ten Hag has defended his first-choice shot-stopper publicly but privately, it is believed that he is keen on adding competition in that area, with Dean Henderson thought to be closing in on a permanent move to Nottingham Forest.
Brentford’s David Raya is one of the players to be heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford and the Spain international has just one year remaining on his deal at the London club.
Bees manager Thomas Frank has publicly admitted that Raya is available on the market for the right price and now, journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed a heavy blow for the Reds.
EXCL: Tottenham are now on the verge of reaching an agreement with David Raya on personal terms. Long term contract, almost agreed after positive talks. 🚨⚪️ #THFC
Raya, open to Spurs move but club to club talks will be crucial. £40m fee asked by Brentford, considered too high. pic.twitter.com/IXqG5sdW68
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 11, 2023
As per Romano, Raya is now on the verge of reaching an agreement with Tottenham Hotspur over personal terms, with Ange Postecoglou almost immediately looking to replace veteran goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.
As per the report, Raya is close to agreeing a long-term contract with Tottenham after holding positive talks. The player is said to be open to a move but a transfer is currently being held up by Brentford’s steep asking price.
SN’s verdict…
It remains to be seen how serious United are about signing a goalkeeper this summer. Their funds are limited and it is common knowledge that Ten Hag will prioritise moves for a striker and a midfielder.
Diogo Costa, the FC Porto goalkeeper, is another player United have been linked with and he definitely comes with more future longevity.
Costa would come at a premium and as things stand, it does not look like United are setting aside any sizeable funds to finance a move for a goalkeeper.
That could change depending on when the takeover of the club is complete, however. Earlier on Sunday, it was revealed that the preferred bidder would finally be named next week.
