Brentford keeper David Raya set for Spain Olympic diving trials after playoff flop

Fulham nabbed the final promotion spot thanks in part to David Raya's howler, but it's not all bad news for the Bees' keeper

Following a spectacular performance in the Championship playoff final on Tuesday evening, Brentford’s goalkeeper David Raya has reportedly been contacted by representatives of the Spanish Olympic Committee regarding his availability for diving trials in November, it has emerged.

The former Blackburn Rovers shotstopper had made several important saves during the Bees’ tense tussle with Fulham at Wembley, but extra-time proved their undoing as Joe Bryan capitalised on the goalie’s poor positioning from a free-kick and opportunistically curl one home from 30-yards.

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However, it wasn’t the left-back’s quick thinking that impressed some viewers, but Raya’s ridiculous flailing dive as the ball was already nestling in the back of his net.

“Yes, naturally we were stunned when we saw him leap like that”, said Juan Manuel Martinez of the Diving Association of Spain.

“It’s a 9.9, no doubt about it. I haven’t seen raw diving talent like this since Luis Suarez signed for Barca.

“Unfortunately, he was classified as an exotic animal due to his biting history and thus was disqualified from pursuing Spanish citizenship.”

“And we’ve had some talent in the past who score high artistically – Busquets’ expert rolling, Sergio Ramos p*ssing in the pool on landing – but this is on another level.”

The deadline for Tokyo qualification has been extended due to the postponement of this year’s Olympic Games, meaning Raya can still meet the qualifying standard at Spains’s trials this November – and let’s face it, he’ll probably be looking for something else to do after this f**k up.

Though there are reports of other clubs being interested in the soaring Spaniard’s belly-slamming lunges, with Chelsea hoping to replace Kepa with the 24-year-old.

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Sources close to Stamford Bridge’s hierarchy said today that the Blues were not content with squandering a world record fee on one calamity-prone keeper they might consider splashing out on the flopping stopper.

“You’ve seen Kepa this season throwing in goals, but never with this kind of style.”

“Frank wants to play a high line and push up on the opposition Raya looks perfect for that – he’s staying at the edge of the box on frees and corners even. He’s perfect for us.”

“We’ve narrowed our search down to Raya or my mate who plays in the five-a-side on Wednesdays and can never stay between the sticks even when it’s his turn.”

Meanwhile, following the Wednesday’s game, triumphant Fulham manager Scott Parker praised the Brentford keeper despite his lapse.

“He’s been great all season for them. It’s just one mistake… that happens to make me look like the second coming of Frank Lampard. Cheers David.”

And Parker admitted the Cottagers had already been considering their approach to the Premier League if they won.

“I’ve talked to the chairman already. The club spent over £100m changing the entire team last time they were promoted. That was a big mistake in my view and we’ll be far more sensible this time.”

“I reckon £400m or so should be enough to replace this lot and keep us up.”

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