Man United and Tottenham handed huge boost in their pursuit of Brentford goalkeeper David Raya

Brentford are reportedly eyeing a new goalkeeper this summer, apparently banking on the imminent departure of current No. 1 David Raya.

It now looks likely the Bees will take advantage of the Spanish goalkeeper late in the season, after he twice turned down approaches to extend his stay at Gtech Community Stadium beyond the end of 2023-24.

Raya has been in fine form for the Bees this season and has caught the eye of several Premier League rivals, with Tottenham and Manchester United believed to be high on the list of suitors.

Both clubs currently boast long-serving goalkeepers in Hugo Lloris and David de Gea, but Brentford’s search for Freiburg goalkeeper Mark Flekken will serve as a boost to their hopes of bringing a new face between the sticks, according to Sun.

Although Thomas Frank was keen to retain the Spaniard, he admitted the club will struggle to retain him with strong interest elsewhere, but suggested it would take around £40m to win him over.

Brentford’s David Raya has become one of the most respected goalkeepers in the Premier League.

Flekken has been one of Freiburg’s standout players this term, as the Black Forest midfielder sit fourth in the Bundesliga.

The 29-year-old has kept 13 clean sheets in all competitions, 10 of which have been in the league, and has played four times for the Netherlands since making his debut in March 2022.

And his current club is eager to retain one of its star players, with the club’s sporting director outlining Freiburg’s intentions to bind him to a new deal with a release clause higher than the currently stipulated £11.4m, according to reports.

“We don’t want to leave things for May,” said Klemens Hartenbach.

‘We want to clarify Mark’s situation so we can make definitive plans.’

With Freiburg, Flekken has had his first experience at the highest level, having previously spent time with lower-league German teams such as Duisburg, Aachen and Greuther Furth.

Dutch goalkeeper Flekken currently has a release clause of £11.44m in his contract with Freiburg.

The Spaniard has worked his way into Spain’s number 1 squad after impressing in west London.

Raya has become one of the most in-demand goalkeepers in the English top flight, and in recent seasons he has made his way into the Spanish number 1 shirt.

He joined the West London side while they were still in the Championship in 2019, and has been crucial in maintaining their Premier League status and subsequent European momentum this season.

Spurs are believed to be interested in replacing Lloris this summer, as the former French captain is now 36, while United’s De Gea has yet to extend his contract beyond the end of the current season.

And Bees boss Frank suggested that even if his team qualified for Europe’s second- or third-tier competition, they might still struggle to keep their Spanish star.

Hugo Lloris could be replaced in the summer at Tottenham by the former French captain who is now 36 years old

David de Gea’s contract at Manchester United expires at the end of this campaign

Danish boss Thomas Frank has suggested Brentford will have a hard time hanging on to Ray this summer.

“I think we have to get into the Champions League and then he would consider it!” he said.

‘I love David as a guardian. I really think he is one of the best in the Premier League.

‘If someone wants to come and buy it, it is very expensive. He will be, to me, at least £40m-plus. No doubt about that.

‘Whatever happens, at least we will be able to contact a replacement. They don’t always want to come, but we do our best to persuade them. But of course we are prepared for any scenario.