Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Tottenham at risk of Chelsea hijack as Daniel Levy 'tries to lowball Premier League rival'
Tottenham and Chelsea are set to do battle for the same player but Daniel Levy is reportedly unwilling to meet the asking price.
Manchester City V Chelsea: Pictures
Tottenham are reportedly considering offering Brentford just £20million for David Raya despite the Bees valuing their goalkeeper at £40m. Chelsea have also been linked with a move for the Spanish stopper who has impressed across his two seasons in the Premier League.
Tottenham are on the lookout for a new goalkeeper with Hugo Lloris set to move on at the end of the season. The Frenchman has been a largely dependable presence between the sticks over the last decade but his performances have started to decline in recent times and a younger replacement is needed.
A number of names have been linked with a move to north London already with a new No 1 likely to be one of the club’s new manager’s first priorities. Emiliano Martinez, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Jordan Pickford have all been the subject of speculation but Raya appears to be one of Daniel Levy’s top choices.
However, there are still hurdles to overcome if Raya is to become the club’s new first-choice goalkeeper. The Daily Mail reports that Brentford are holding out for a £40million fee for their No 1 but Tottenham initially plan to spend no more than £20m with Chelsea also sniffing around his signature.
Just in... Man Utd eye Martial replacement, Arsenal exodus, Neymar latest [LIVE]
Some Tottenham fans have taken to Twitter to voice their disappointment with @Dyrnwyn summing up the mood by suggesting his club were ‘typically lowballing.’
However, there is some logic to Spurs valuing Raya so low. The Spaniard has just one year left on his deal at the Gtech Community Stadium and will be available for free next summer. The situation puts more pressure on the Bees to sell meaning the two clubs may be able to come to a compromised agreement to the benefit of all parties.
Meanwhile, Brentford boss Thomas Frank has admitted that Raya could be on the move over the summer but reiterated that they would be looking for a figure close to £40m for his services.
Don't miss...
Mauricio Pochettino picks top Chelsea striker target as Blues encounter problem [LATEST]
Chelsea loanee Joao Felix sends Mauricio Pochettino message over permanent move [NEWS]
Chelsea's forgotten wonderkid Casadei can be massive player for Pochettino [COMMENT]
“We know the rumours about Raya not being here next season, but right now he is here,” he explained in a recent press conference. "You all know the price – £40m - and absolutely it’s realistic.
“I think it is too much, in general, the money that is paid in football. But in the current market and at his level, he has been at least a top-four keeper in the Premier League this season. If you look at those players, in such a crucial position, then I am not in doubt.”
It remains to be seen whether or not Tottenham will look to solidify their interest in Raya but it is increasingly clear Brentford will not allow one of their key men to leave easily.