Brentford technical director Lee Dykes says David Raya could join Tottenham this summer with the bees' blessing - but hinted £20m would be a ridiculous transfer fee for the keeper.
Spurs and Brentford are in talks with 27-year-old Raya, who has one year left on his contract and who has consistently refused to sign a new contract in West London. Spurs want the Spain international - who many believe is an English-born player who has spent time with Blackburn - as a long-term replacement for captain Hugo Lloris, who says he is looking for a new challenge this summer.
Speaking to The Beautiful Game Podcast ahead of the final game of the season, Dykes said, "We sat down in front of David and said, Look, 'If you outpace us, it's time to go.'" I think he is one of the Premier League's finest, making it one of the best in the world. He is in a very good phase as a goalkeeper and he was right when he said: "Maybe I want to explore my options." That's good. Does not matter.
“We signed him back in 2019, that first summer. I've seen him take his loan spells in the lower leagues and really thrive at Blackburn. It was a good offer for us but basically, we had a plan for it and we agreed.
"We will replace him if we have to replace him or he will sign a new contract and stay." What will happen? We have to understand that at Brentford, like Brighton, there are bigger clubs who can look for these players and we always feel we have done our part in helping them reach the highest level.
“As long as the club receives appropriate compensation for a potential transfer, I'm confident Phil [Giles, director of football] and Matt [Benham, owner] will make the right decision.
Brentford values ??Raya at £40 million with Spurs reportedly ready to pay almost half. When Dykes learned that Thomas Frank, Brentford manager, had been asked about a possible £20 million deal, Dykes said: "Is he laughing?"
He added: "Listen, the market is adjusting. There will be a huge goalkeeper market this summer, there will be a lot of goalkeepers available. Phil and Matt will evaluate at that point. My thought for David Raya is he will have to pay twice fold because he can play number 10. You get two positions.”
When asked if he thought Manchester City's Ederson was the best goalkeeper with the ball at his feet in the Premier League, Dykes said: "No, Raya is there. I watch him every day in training, he is at the highest level."
Dykes himself has been linked with Spurs as a replacement for director of football Fabio Paratici who resigned in April.
"That doesn't mean anything," he said. "I'm technical director of Brentford, a great position. I would probably say no because I'm happy at Brentford. There is a lot to do here, we have plans to move this club forward."
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