Chelsea and Tottenham have been handed huge boosts to their hopes of signing David Raya following Brentford's latest activity in the transfer market. The 27-year-old goalkeeper faces an increasingly uncertain future at the Gtech Community Stadium, with his contract set to expire at the end of next season.
Raya, who has already turned down two contract offers from the Bees, has featured 35 times for Thomas Frank's side in the Premier League this term, keeping 11 clean sheets. The Spain international's impressive performances have reportedly caught the attention of several top clubs in Europe, and Brentford appear to be preparing for his exit.
According to German publication Bild, the west Londoners are in 'advanced talks' to sign Mark Flekken from SC Freiburg. The report states that the negotiations are in the final stage and the Bees will activate his €13million (£11.3m) release clause once an agreement on personal terms has been reached.
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It's said that Flekken will replace Raya, with the Spaniard expected to leave this summer. With Chelsea and Tottenham in the market for new goalkeepers, Frank has already conceded that his shot-stopper could leave for at least £40m.
"There is no doubt David is a case where there is one year left and we will see what will happen," said the Brentford boss. "We are very happy with David here, everybody knows he is a £40million-plus goalkeeper if anyone is interested.
"There is a possibility he will maybe leave this summer for the right price. If that happens we need to be prepared like we are at left-back, right-back, striker."
In February, Raya told The Athletic that he had turned down two new contract offers from Brentford, claiming that he wants to play in Europe. The Spaniard said: "I want to focus on playing games and not think too much about my future.
"I have a contract here, so I'm willing to finish that, but you never know what's going to happen in the summer. Maybe the club wants to sell, maybe not. Maybe I want to stay.
"I want to focus on football and see what happens. The club will decide the price and if a club wants to pay money, that will be it. I'm not worried about that. I'm not in charge of that.
"I want to play in Europe and I want to fight to win a title," he added. "I want to fight to win a European title. I trust myself to be able to play in those types of games."
Unfortunately for Chelsea and Tottenham, a Champions League qualification place is mathematically impossible this season. But, the north Londoners could snatch an advantage over the Blues by clinching a spot in the Europa League or Conference League, a factor which may sway Raya into signing for them ahead of their London rivals.
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