MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham have been handed a boost in their attempts to sign David Raya.
The shot-stopper, 27, has become one of the most sought-after goalkeepers in the Premier League after his impressive displays for Brentford.
The Spanish international is keen on a challenge after turning down two contract offers to stay with the Bees.
His current deal expires at the end of next season, and the club are now lining up a move for his potential replacement, Dutch international keeper Mark Flekken, according to reports.
The Freiburg star has had an outstanding campaign, helping the Black Forest minnows go fourth in Germany’s Bundesliga.
Flekken, 28, has won four caps since making his senior Holland debut last year.
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He built his career with lower-league German clubs Alemannia Aachen, Greuther Furth and MSV Duisburg before Freiburg signed him in 2018.
They want to offer the Enschede-born keeper a new deal, with a release clause higher than the £11.44million in his existing contract.
Freiburg sporting director Klemens Hartenbach said: “We don’t want to leave things until May.
“We want to clarify Mark’s situation so we can make definite plans.”
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This is a boost for United and Spurs as Brentford will be more willing to do business without running the risk of being short in the vital position.
The west Londoners’ scouting system has consistently seen them find top-quality players missed by their big-spending rivals.
And Flekken could now become the latest little-known capture to shine under Thomas Frank at the GTech Community Stadium.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
