Brentford boss Thomas Frank labels a price tag for Manchester United target David Raya

Speaking to the media before the Arsenal game on Friday (h/t Sky Sports), Brentford boss Thomas Frank accepted the fact that it would be tough to keep hold of goalkeeper and Manchester United target David Raya and slapped a price tag on the Spaniard.

A few weeks ago, the Guardian reported that Chelsea, United and Tottenham Hotspur are in the race to sign Raya in the coming summer transfer window. The 27-year-old will enter the final 12 months of his contract at the end of this season. He has already rejected two new contract offers from Brentford.

While singing his praises and hoping that the player stays forever with the Bees, Frank accepts that it will be difficult. He went on to say that the Spaniard is worth around £40m because he will have one year left in his contract in the summer.

Here’s what the Brentford boss exactly said (h/t Sky Sports):

“He’s one of the captains and he is leading with his performances and his behaviour. He’s a top character.

“I hope he will stay forever but it looks like it could be difficult with the contract situation,” Frank said when asked about his chances of keeping Raya.

“He must be at least £40m plus. If he had three years it would be £70m.

“How much was Kepa? He is at least as good as him.”

Looking at our goalkeeping situation, David de Gea’s contract situation is still lingering around despite the confidence that he will sign an extension. On-loan stopper Dean Henderson may well be snapped up by Nottingham Forest on a permanent deal in the summer.

Tom Heaton is just a backup option, isn’t he? Jack Butland is here on loan and will leave in the summer.

So, irrespective of what de Gea’s future sound like, United should be looking to sign a quality goalkeeper in the summer. Raya has been exceptional for Brentford since their Championship days. The promotion to the Premier League has not hindered his performance. It has gotten better.

At 27, there are a lot of years left in the Spaniard to be a long-term option at his next club. Given that he is comfortable playing out from the back and is one of the best shot-stoppers in the league, he may well be a better option between the sticks compared to de Gea.

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The latter is a world-class stopper himself but struggles when asked to play out from the back. Erik ten Hag’s football requires a goalkeeper comfortable with his feet. Hence, Raya fits the bill.