Brentford head coach Thomas Frank admits goalkeeper David Raya is likely to leave the club amid reported interest from Tottenham and Chelsea.
Raya’s contract expires at the end of next season and the 27-year-old told the PA news agency that he has already turned down two new contract offers from the club.
And Frank admits it will be difficult to keep the Spanish international at the Gtech Community Stadium beyond the end of his current deal.
“I think if he has turned it down twice, unfortunately that’s a signal that he maybe doesn’t want that (to stay),” Frank said.
“We put two really good offers out there but that’s fine, it’s a free world, we can’t force anyone.
“That said, David has been amazing for us. Coming from Blackburn three-and-a-half years ago, he has done fantastic.
“The first season, for me, best keeper in the Championship. Then he was involved in the play-off final with a mistake there.
“I clearly remember after the final I said: ‘You will come back stronger, I want you even higher in a braver position’ and a year after we did it (won promotion), all of us together, and I think he has taken that form into the Premier League and he is one of the best keepers in this league right now.
“He is very focused, was focused today in training and he will be tomorrow. Every day he is here, I am happy for that.
“He is one of the captains – David, Christian, Ivan and Pontus, and he is leading with his performances and his behaviour every day. Top, top character.”
“I hope he will stay forever, but of course it looks like it could be potentially difficult with the contract situation.”
And asked how much he thought Raya is worth, Frank continued: “He must be, what shall we say is a good number? At least 40 plus, at least, if not more.
“Actually, what was Kepa? Around 70? He’s at least as good as him.”
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