Ange Postecoglou closes in on first Tottenham transfer as Man Utd miss out on target

gamehuzc June 12, 2023

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Spurs hired Ange Postecoglou as their new manager last week,and the club has moved quickly in the transfer market, closing in on one of Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag’s priorities. Tottenham are in negotiations with Brentford goalkeeper David Raya, hoping to beat Manchester United to his services

Raya, 27, is expected to become Ange Postecoglou’s first signing as Spurs manager after being appointed last week following a lengthy search for a permanent replacement for Antonio Conte. The Spain international has been linked with a move to Manchester United, who are looking to replace compatriot David de Gea.

Erik ten Hag prefers a goalkeeper who is comfortable on the ball and can participate in build-up play. Raya is precisely that, having impressed at Brentford for four years after rising through the ranks at Blackburn Rovers. Postecoglou, who joins from Celtic with a reputation for playing attractive football, is looking for a long-term replacement for Hugo Lloris, who is due to leave Northampton. London this summer after 11 seasons as No.1.

Spurs have turned to Raya and talks over personal terms have been progressing well, according to the Evening Standard.

United and Premier League rivals Chelsea are monitoring the situation, with Brentford sticking to their £40million price tag. Given that the Spaniard only has one year remaining on his contract, however, Tottenham are currently unwilling to bend to the Bees’ demands.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank has already signed a new goalkeeper ahead of the summer transfer window opening this Wednesday, recruiting Freiburg’s Dutch shot-stopper, Mark Flekken, in an £11m deal. Raya had rejected two new contract offers from the Bees hierarchy, who accept that selling him this summer would be the best financial option.

I want to play in Europe and I want to fight to win a title,” the 27-year-old told The Athletic in February. “I want to fight to win a European title. I trust myself to be able to play in those types of games.”