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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Jonathan Gorrie

David Raya: Brentford goalkeeper rejects new contract as Chelsea and Tottenham line up summer move

David Raya has confirmed he has rejected the offer of a new contract from Brentford.

The Spanish international’s impressive performances in the Premier League have attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United all casting keen eyes over his situation in west London.

By the end of the season, Raya will have just a year left on his deal but he remains relaxed and focused on Brentford’s charge for Europe.

"I don’t think it’s the right time to sign a contract at the moment," he told the PA news agency. "I’m really, really happy and right now I’m just thinking about doing the best for the team and trying to push for Europe.

"I was offered a new contract last year and one in January but we didn’t reach an agreement. I would like to see what happens in summer, however I’m happy at Brentford.

"For now a new contract is secondary, the most important thing is the team and the games. We’ll see where we are in May.

"You never know what’s around the corner. There’s nothing I can say about what’s going to happen in the summer. I don’t even know what’s going to happen on Saturday."

He smiles when asked what it is like to be Europe’s most wanted goalkeeper but is quick to stress the role Brentford have played in his development and life since a £3million move from Blackburn four years ago.

"I’m not sure if it’s interest, people talking or my name being thrown around," he says.

"Brentford feels like home, when I came here three-and-a-half years ago it’s because I needed a new challenge.

In demand: Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham all want to sign David Raya (Getty Images)

"It’s always going to be home - no matter what. I’m in one of the happiest times of my career. I’m a happy guy, you will never see me moaning. Football is my life, so I do what I love.

"The manager has done a magnificent job with the team. He doesn’t want any egos.

"He makes everybody part of the Brentford family. You want to play for him and do what he’s telling you to do. If you see the results, you can’t say no. He’s set a foundation of trust. Everyone trusts each other."

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