By Graham Hill
HE wanted both players, but it looks like Dean Smith will have to settle for just one.
The Villa boss still needs a striker before the window shuts on Thursday, but Brentford winger Said Benrahma looks to be on his way for a reunion with Smith.
With Neal Maupay signing for Brighton despite his links with Smith, Benrhama also looked to be on his way out of Griffin Park.
Neither of them played against Blues on Saturday – and Brentford have now added their seventh signing of the summer with attacker Bryan Mbeumo arrived for an undisclosed fee from Troyes AC,on a five-year deal.
Benrahma is well known to Smith from his time as Brentford boss and would even more attacking threat to a Villa squad that already looks full of goals if pre-season is anything to go buy.
Brentford have so far rejected any attempt by Villa to sign the player – but the player appears to be on his way as Smith’s 13th deal of an incredible summer since winning promotion in May.
The Algeria international signed for Smith just over a year ago for just £1.5million – and now the Villa boss is set to snap him up again but for considerably more.
It was only two weeks ago that Brentford rejected a bid of £14million from Villa – so the final fee could be higher.
Villa Roar 