Brentford are reportedly closing in on the capture of Manchester United target Thomas Strakosha, who is undergoing a medical at the club.
According to Daily Mail, Brentford have emerged victorious in the race to sign Thomas Strakosha in a Bosman move. The 27-year-old Albanian goalkeeper had been one of the most sought-after players in the market this summer after he ran out his contract at Lazio at the end of last season.
Manchester United and Brentford were among the clubs interested in snapping him up on a loan deal. But it appears the latter have prevailed in the pursuit, with Strakosha currently undergoing medical at the Brentford Community Stadium. The move could be finalised soon, in what could be a major coup for the Bees.
Brentford have been on the lookout for a new face in the goalkeeping department this summer. Although there are no immediate concerns over the future of David Raya, the Bees lacked a reliable alternative for the Spaniard. This is where Strakosha comes into the fray, as he offers a great deal of experience and could be an ideal understudy to Raya, heading into the new season.
Indeed, the 27-year-old has featured in over 150 matches in Serie A during his time at Lazio. He also has 19 caps for the Albanian national team and his experience at the highest level of football could prove to be handy for a club like Brentford.
Manchester United, meanwhile, will be disappointed to have missed out on the capture of Strakosha. The Red Devils were primed to sign the former Lazio starlet earlier in the summer. But it appears they have been beaten by Brentford in the pursuit, which could serve as a massive blow for Erik ten Hag.
The Dutch tactician had made the decision to loan out Dean Henderson to Nottingham Forest earlier in the month. It has left the Manchester United boss without a viable alternative for first choice goalkeeper David de Gea, thus accentuating the need for a fresh face in between the sticks.
Fortunately for ten Hag, he should have no shortage of alternatives. Even former Manchester United star Sergio Romero has expressed the desire to return to Old Trafford this summer, while the Red Devils are maintaining close contact with Watford’s Daniel Bachmann. Which one of these two goalkeepers end up joining Old Trafford remains to be seen. As for Strakosha, the 27-year-old is on his way to Brentford in a Bosman move.
