Man Utd suffer transfer blow as 'top La Liga sides join race for Brentford star David Raya'

Brentford goalkeeper David Raya is on the radar of top La Liga clubs, according to reports, which could prove to be a significant transfer blow to Manchester United.

Raya has been linked with a move to Old Trafford as a possible replacement for David de Gea, with the long-serving United goalkeeper's contract expiring this summer.

The Bees stopper has already rejected offers of a new contract from his current club, and could move on this summer.

Speaking about Raya during a press conference in February, Brentford boss Thomas Frank said (quotes via Sky Sports): "I think if he turns it down twice then unfortunately that's a signal. We made two really good offers but that's fine, it's a free world. We can't force anyone.

"I hope he will stay forever but it looks like it could be difficult with the contract situation. He must be [worth] at least £40m plus. If he had three years [left on his contract] it would be £70m."

Raya's existing deal expires in the summer of 2024, which may convince United to launch a move if they do not renew De Gea's contract.

But a new report now claims they may have fierce competition.

La Liga giants enter race for Man Utd target Raya

According to The Telegraph, a number of unnamed top La Liga clubs are monitoring Raya ahead of a possible move.

The move would represent a return to Spain for the goalkeeper, who played in the country of his birth before moving to Blackburn on a scholarship deal in 2012.

After two years in the Rovers academy, he was promoted to the first team, and spent two seasons as the club's number one before his move to Brentford in 2019.

With 53 Premier League appearances now under his belt, and with the goalkeeper having been widely praised for his distribution skills, Raya could prove to be an ideal addition to Ten Hag's side, if United can beat La Liga clubs to his signature.

They already faced reported competition from Tottenham, who are said to be on the lookout for a potential replacement for captain Hugo Lloris.