West Ham fans may potentially be shaking in their boots after Sky Sports revealed Crystal Palace are set for talks with Brentford attacker Saïd Benrahma.
It is said the south Londoners will send officials to meet the forward’s representatives, having already signed the likes of Ebere Eze, Michy Batshuayi and Nathan Ferguson in this transfer window.
The Hammers were believed to be keen on the Algerian forward following the sale of Grady Diangana to West Brom, but it now looks as though the Eagles are in pole position.
Benrahma scored 17 goals and assisted a further nine in the Championship last term, earning the WhoScored player of the season award as a result.
He looked like an exciting arrival for the Hammers, although The Telegraph reported the club wasn’t keen on meeting the Bees’ £20 million valuation of the 25-year-old.
However, West Ham’s loss could be Crystal Palace’s gain.
Benrahma impressively recorded three dribbles per league game last season and also registered 3.8 shots and 2.1 key passes per 90 minutes.
This news, presumably, won’t be music to West Ham supporters’ ears.
Things were already gloomy at the club and the 2-0 opening-day defeat to Newcastle on Saturday has only soured the mood further.
The sale of an exciting academy graduate such as Diangana could be eased by making a marquee signing in a similar attacking position.
However, it looks like the Hammers are happy to let Crystal Palace take pole position in this race.
Should Roy Hodgson’s side prove successful in their pursuit, it would be a bitter blow for David Moyes given the attacker’s potential.
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