Man Utd handed David Raya boost with Brentford in 'advanced talks' to sign replacement

Manchester United have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Brentford goalkeeper David Raya.

Erik ten Hag is in the market for a goalkeeper this summer to help provide competition for David De Gea.

De Gea is yet to pen fresh terms at Old Trafford, raising concerns over his future at the club.

The Spaniard is thought to be keen to extend his stay, but may reconsider if the Red Devils sign Raya.

With his contract due to expire next summer, Raya could be an affordable option for United. While the 27-year-old confirmed he would be interested in a move to the Champions League.

Raya has been in exceptional form for Brentford this season, with a top 10 finish now guaranteed for Thomas Frank's side.

But it would appear Brentford are preparing for life without their first-choice shot-stopper, following reports that the Bees are in 'advanced talks' with his replacement.

Raya to Man Utd?

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Brentford are in 'advanced talks' with SC Freiburg goalkeeper Mark Flekken, with 'a deal progressing to the final stages'.

Romano also states that he is a direct replacement for Raya, who is 'expected to leave this summer'.

One of Raya's main strengths is his distribution - an area of De Gea's game that has come under heavy criticism.

In turn, Raya has been promoted above his Spanish counterpart in the Spain national team pecking order, with De Gea unlikely to want to play second fiddle to his compatriot once again.

Discussing his future earlier in the season, Raya revealed he dreamed of playing in the Champions League and challenging for trophies

Speaking on the 'Yours, Mine, Away!' podcast, the former Blackburn man explained: "I have a year left [on my contract] and I don't know what will happen in the summer. I've said before that I've had two contracts that I've turned down [at Brentford] because they weren't the offers I was looking for.

"I want to push myself to the highest level to the Champions League, the Europa League and to win those trophies. I want to experience that and I'm at that stage in my footballing career."

Following Manchester United's 2-0 win over Wolves on Saturday, Ten Hag is in a promising position to qualify for the Champions League, but he must win his last three remaining games to ensure they are safe.