Crystal Palace appear to be leading the race to sign the agile Algerian winger Said Benrahma from Brentford.
According to reports, long-term admirers Crystal Palace had been waiting ‘weeks’ for the opportune moment to formalise their interest, with the Eagles keen to avoid a bidding war with their Premier League rivals for Benrahma’s signature.
The prime window of opportunity to make an offer appears to be now, as the report details that the likes of West Ham and Aston Villa have pulled out of the race to sign the enigmatic winger with the sides unwilling to match Brentford’s £20-£25 million price tag.
The Algerian, who can play on either flank, is unlucky to not presently be a Premier League player with the Bees narrowly missing out on promotion at the hands of London rivals Fulham in the 2019/20 Championship play-off final.
Benrahma was a standout performer for the Bees, offering bountiful flair and dynamism going forward. He notched up a formidable tally of goals and assists, scoring 27 and setting up a further 24 for his side in 81 appearances.
The 25-year-old is reportedly eager to prove himself in the Premier League, with Palace seemingly in pole position to swoop for their second Championship star after securing the services of QPR talisman Eberechi Eze earlier in the window. Benrahma will look to join his former teammate Ollie Watkins in the Premier League, who recently secured a move to Aston Villa.
Elsewhere, the same journalist has indicated that Palace are looking at loaning out their promising young talents Scott Banks and John Kymani-Gordon to Rochdale and Bradford respectively. Furthermore, Belgian outfit Club Brugge are exhibiting significant interest in Christian Benteke.
Twitter: Rochdale. Keen on midfielder Scott Banks at Palace on loan. Top young Scottish lad. (@reluctantnicko)
Twitter: Bradford. To take a look at young Palace striker John-Kymani Gordon on loan. Top prospect. (@reluctantnicko)
