Transfer Centre

Tottenham Hotspur 'not willing to pay £40m for Brentford goalkeeper David Raya'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 06 June 2023

Spurs 'not willing to pay £40m for Brentford's David Raya'

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly not prepared to meet Brentford's asking price for David Raya, despite their interest in the goalkeeper.

Tottenham Hotspur reportedly have no intention of paying £40m for Brentford goalkeeper David Raya.

On the back of an eighth-placed finish in the Premier League, it is expected to be all change for Spurs over the coming months.

Ange Postecoglou is on the brink of leaving Celtic to become the club's new head coach, and a new sporting director is expected to be appointed in due course.

Regardless of whether Harry Kane remains in North London or not, there will also be major alterations on the playing side, including between the sticks.

Hugo Lloris, who has a year left on his contract, will likely bring his long-term association with Spurs to an end, the Frenchman already acknowledging that he wants to take on a new challenge.

Hugo Lloris in action for Tottenham Hotspur on April 23, 2023 © Reuters

Fraser Forster, an experienced deputy to Lloris, made 20 appearances during 2022-23, yet at the age of 35, it is accepted that he is not a long-term solution to the World Cup winner.

Raya has been deemed to be an ideal replacement for one of the pair, becoming the new number one at the start of a new era for the North Londoners as they bid to earn a return to Europe.

However, according to The Sun, Spurs do not plan on meeting Brentford's valuation for one of their most prized assets.

Despite Raya having just over a year remaining on his contract, the Bees are ready to demand in the region of £40m for the Spain international.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank applauds fans after the match on May 14, 2023 © Reuters

That valuation has already been criticised by the representatives of Raya, who have indicated that the stopper will see out for remaining 12 months on his contract and leave for free if Brentford do not lower their asking price.

Anticipating Raya's eventual departure, Frank has already moved to sign Mark Flekken from Freiburg, the Netherlands international expected to become the team's new number one.

Brentford will be hoping that more than Spurs register a formal interest with Manchester United and Chelsea also said to be monitoring the situation.

Since Brentford paid £3m for his signature in 2019, the 27-year-old has made 161 appearances in all competitions, as well as earning two caps for Spain.