Newcastle United are reportedly keen on Brentford’s Said Benrahma.
Brentford managed to keep star winger Said Benrahma out of Aston Villa’s clutches this summer – but it seems they weren’t the only team interested.
The Shields Gazette claim that Newcastle United wanted to sign Benrahma this summer, but were seemingly deterred by the asking price.
The same went for Aston Villa, who were incredibly keen to sign Benrahma according to The Express, but Dean Smith couldn’t complete a reunion.
Smith was Brentford boss when the Bees signed Benrahma from Nice last summer, and saw him rack up 10 goals and 14 assists in his first Championship season.
The 24-year-old is a silky, technically-gifted winger who proved to be a menace for Championship defences last season, and whilst he may not have blistering pace, his ability on the ball is exceptional.
Benrhama could have been a creative force for either Villa or Newcastle in the Premier League, but he’ll now be left in the Championship until at least January, when the chase may resume.
Despite signing Jota, Trezeguet and Anwar El Ghazi this summer, some fans still think Villa could move for Benrahma again in January, completing their recruitment out wide.
However, they’ve now seemingly been given a warning that, if they don’t strike early in the January transfer window, then they really could lose out to Newcastle in the race for his signature.
Much will depend on the league positions of the two sides, but they should both have some money to spend – and one of the Championship’s biggest talents in Benrahma could be money well spent given his ability to score and create.
Brentford will hope that neither come calling, but if Villa don’t want to see one of Smith’s favourite players from last season join a Premier League rival, they’ll need to move quickly when the window opens, and leave Newcastle regretting not pushing for a summer deal.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
