Julien Laurens has said that while he rates David Raya as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, the likes of Tottenham and Manchester United should not be paying £40m for the Brentford number one.
It now appears clear that Raya is Tottenham’s top target to take over the gloves from Hugo Lloris, with The Times reporting on Sunday that the Lilywhites have agreed on personal terms with the Brentford goalkeeper.
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However, the report explained that Ange Postecoglou’s men are still some way off from agreeing on a fee with the Bees, who are standing firm on their valuation of £40m.
This information was also backed up by talkSPORT, who claimed on Monday that Spurs are trying to convince Brentford to lower their asking price.
The outlet asserted that Raya was putting pressure on the Bees hierarchy to allow him to move to the North London club.
However, Tottenham are not the only club thought to have their eye on the Spaniard, with The Telegraph revealing on Tuesday that Man Utd are also monitoring the goalkeeper’s situation.
Spurs should not pay more than £30m for David Raya
Laurens has now opined that neither Spurs nor the Red Devils should pay more than £30m for the 27-year-old.
When asked about the speculation over Raya’s future, the journalist told ESPN FC: “I think he is great. Really, really good. One of the best goalkeepers in the league. Both with his feet and his hands.
“But £40m? Come on! This is the goalkeeper market we are talking about. I know, for example, Dibu Martinez left Arsenal for Aston Villa for about £20m. Okay, if that’s the ballpark – I think £30m is fair.
“I would take Raya at Manchester United, 100%. But are you ready to pay £40m for a goalkeeper when you have other positions (you have to sort out) and Spurs are the same?
“You can’t just put £40m on a goalkeeper if it means there isn’t much for other positions, especially at centre-back, where they really have to strengthen and strengthen well.”
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With Raya having just one year left on his contract, Brentford are not in a strong bargaining position.
They will be hoping that a bidding war ensues for their number one but if Man Utd decide to look elsewhere for a new goalkeeper, the West London club will have no choice but to lower their asking price to around £25m-£30m.
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