Crystal Palace could still emerge as a leading contender to sign the agile Algerian winger Saïd Benrahma from Brentford after it emerged that an advanced deal with West Ham at risk of collapse.
According to a report by the Mirror, West Ham are believed to be divided over which signing to prioritise ahead of Friday’s domestic transfer deadline, with some staff preferring Bournemouth’s hitman Joshua King.
The same Mirror report claims the 25-year-old is unhappy at Brentford for what he sees as a ‘broken promise’, believed to be financial, that was made to him by the Bees. Consequentially, Brentford Co-Director of Football Phil Giles intends to sit down with Benrahma to resolve the issue.
The Brentford hierarchy remains confident that the deal with West Ham will proceed.
According to an earlier report by The Sun, 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 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 West London rivals Fulham in the Championship play-off final.
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Benrahma has been a standout performer for the Bees, offering bountiful flair and dynamism going forward. He has notched up a formidable tally of goals and assists, scoring 27 and setting up a further 24 for his side in 81 appearances.
Palace still have an opportunity to swoop for their second creative Championship star after securing the services of QPR talisman Eberechi Eze earlier in the window.
Although a deal to Palace ultimately appears to be unlikely, the Eagles still have a chance at securing the winger’s signature if a deal collapses at the last minute. Palace are not the only suitor keen on Benrahma, with Aston Villa being reported by the Mirror as also retaining an interest in the player.
