According to The Sunday Mirror (02/08, p66), Aston Villa boss Dean Smith will be given a huge £100million summer transfer budget.
It’s stated that Smith wants four new signings this summer, and will have even more to spend if Manchester United pay up for Jack Grealish.
Smith is understood to want Brentford winger Said Benrahma, though West Ham United are also keen and he would be unlikely to move if the Bees win promotion.
The Algerian star has racked up 17 goals and 10 assists this season, emerging as one of the Championship’s top players.
He looks destined for the Premier League next season whether or not Brentford go up, and Smith working with him at Brentford may just help Villa’s cause.
However, one player who won’t be part of the spending spree if Pepe Reina, as Villa allegedly don’t plan to sign him permanently.
The Spanish World Cup winner joined Villa on loan for the second half of the season, but Smith doesn’t want to keep the AC Milan veteran permanently.
Villa seemingly want a wide man, a striker, a midfielder and a centre back, with Villa relying on Tom Heaton’s return in goal rather than signing Reina.
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