Brentford have reportedly rejected a £7.6m bid from Bayer Leverkusen for goalkeeper Mark Flekken.
The 31-year-old joined the Bees from Bundesliga outfit Freiburg during the summer of 2023, making some high-profile errors during his maiden campaign in the Premier League.
However, Flekken has enjoyed a steadier second term in the English game, featuring in 37 top-flight matches for Thomas Frank's side, keeping seven clean sheets.
At the age of 31, the Dutchman is one of the more experienced players in the Brentford starting XI, which contains superstars such as Yoane Wissa and Newcastle United-linked Bryan Mbeumo.
According to The Athletic, Flekken's stay at the Gtech Community Stadium could be approaching its end after just two full campaigns in London.
The report claims that Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen are keen on securing the services of the 31-year-old, submitting an initial bid for the shot-stopper.
However, it is understood that Brentford have rejected a first approach totalling around £7.6m, with the Bees looking to pocket at least £10.9m from the sale of the goalkeeper.
Should Flekken link up with the German side this summer, it is believed that Frank's men will move quickly to secure the signature of Liverpool hero Caoimhin Kelleher.
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Everton activate buy clause in Alcaraz contract?
Focusing on a player who is set to remain in the Premier League next season, Carlos Alcaraz has impressed massively while on loan at Everton from Flamengo.
The 22-year-old has scored twice and provided three assists across 16 top-flight matches, helping David Moyes's side enjoy a stress-free end to the campaign.
Alcaraz started the 2024-25 term at Southampton, who would go on to suffer relegation to the Championship after collecting just 12 points.
As per transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Everton have activated the buy option in Alcaraz's temporary contract from Brazilian giants Flamengo.
The Toffees will supposedly fork out €15m (£12.6m) for the pleasure of signing the Argentine permanently, as well as €3m (£2.5m) in add-ons.
This deal is yet to be sealed, although the process should be a formality due to the buy clause in the 22-year-old's current terms on Merseyside.
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Villa, Marseille to battle for French full-back?
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Aston Villa are still reeling from their final-day defeat at Manchester United, costing them Champions League football.
Unai Emery's men will be slumming it out in the Europa League next year, and their transfer plans have been downgraded as a result of their top-five failure.
According to L'Equipe, the Villans are targeting a summer swoop for Rennes left-back Adrien Truffert, who has spent the entirety of his senior career to date at Roazhon Park.
The Second City club face stiff competition in the race for his services, though, with French giants Marseille considering a move for the 23-year-old.
It is believed that Les Olympiens will only push for the signature of Truffert should Bournemouth-linked Quentin Merlin transfer away this summer.
Carter White
