MY RAYA SUNSHINE
Bees boss confident his star keeper will re-sign
THOMAS FRANK retains 100 per cent confidence in contract rebel David Raya ahead of Brentford’s big push for Europe.
And the Bees boss had no hesitation in slapping a minimum valuation of £40million on the highly rated goalkeeper.
Raya (below) has twice refused to sign a new deal with the west London club and has been linked in the past with current Premier League leaders and today’s opponents Arsenal.
More recently there was strong speculation that the 27-year-old Spaniard, who has a year and a half left on his current contract, could be a target for Tottenham as a replacement for Hugo Lloris.
But manager Frank (above, with his goalkeeper) has total faith in Raya’s professionalism and insists he will have no hesitation in playing him as his team seek to get into Europe for a first time.
Frank said: “David will be very focused for the rest of this season. One of his attributes is staying focused and calm, even after a mistake.
“I don’t see anything changed in his behaviour. I haven’t spoken directly to him about his future, though the contract talks have been going on. We talk about his family and football.
“One thing is for sure, for the next four or five months he is a Brentford player.
“He is one of the captains group in the team, along with Pontus Jansson and Christian Norgaard – leading with performances and behaviour.
“If he turns it down twice, then unfortunately that is a signal that he doesn’t want that. We put two really good offers out there.
“I hope he will stay forever but of course it looks difficult with the contract situation. But he must be worth at least £40million. If he had three years left, it would be £70m like Kepa at Chelsea.
“But it is a free world and we can’t force anyone.” Frank admitted his team might have to produce their “best ever Premier League performance” to get anything against Arsenal at the Emirates today. The Gunners, who won 3-0 at the Community Stadium earlier in the season, are looking to bounce back from defeat at Everton. And Frank also noted Brentford’s presence in a trio of so-called ‘smaller’ clubs – including Fulham and Brighton – standing ahead of Liverpool and Chelsea going into the weekend. He added: “You can’t speak about a new order – clubs need to perform over years, not just 20-odd games. It is, though, a first indicator. I like the perspective that it gives hope to other clubs.”