By Graham Hill
DEAN SMITH is closing in on a move for Brentford forward Said Benrahma – who has made it clear he wants a move to Villa Park.
French newspaper L’Equipe says that Villa have already offered around £14.5million for the Algeria international who is been on Smith’s wanted list all summer.
The publication says that the player “hopes for a quick agreement for his transfer”.
Smith knows well from his days as boss at Griffin Park – and will have been impressed with Benrahma’s 10 goals and 15 assists in the Championship last season.
Benrahma was ruled out of the Africa Cup of Nations – which Algeria won – due to an ankle injury.
But he was expected to be back in action for the start of the new season – and Villa could benefit.
Once again, Smith is targeting a winger – with Egypt wide man Trezeguet also expected to sign soon after reportedly completing his medical on Monday.
Smith already has Jota, Anwar El Ghazi and Andre Green in his squad.
Villa made an opening bid of around £9million for Benrahma who Smith took to Griffin Park last summer from Nice in a £1.5million deal.
But Brentford were looking for around £20million for the player which saw Villa cool on the deal for a few weeks – but now Benrahma looks to be pushing for the move.
Villa Roar 