Crystal Palace Leading the Race for Brentford's Saïd Benrahma

27 September 2020 07:30

Crystal Palace are understood to be the only side to have launched a formal bid to sign Brentford winger Saïd Benrahma.

Benrahma was one of the Championship's top performers last season, racking up an impressive 17 goals and nine assists in 43 games as the Bees fought their way to the Championship playoff final, where they fell to Fulham.

Given Brentford missed out on promotion, Benrahma has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League like former teammate Ollie Watkins, who has joined Aston Villa. Plenty of sides have been tipped to move for Benrahma, but according to The Sun, Palace are the only side to have lodged a bid.

Palace's return of just 31 goals in the Premier League last season was worse than every other team in the division apart from relegated Norwich City, and Roy Hodgson is keen to add some more flair to his attack this time around.

The Eagles have already dipped into the Championship market by bringing in Ebere Eze from Queens Park Rangers, and Michy Batshuayi has returned for another loan spell from Chelsea.

That's only the start for Palace, who are pushing to sign Liverpool youngster Rhian Brewster on a permanent deal as well. The 20-year-old could cost £20m, but Liverpool are pushing to include a buy-back clause in any transfer - something which Palace are not keen on.

If they can get a deal over the line, that would still leave enough money to pursue Benrahma, who is expected to cost at least £25m.

Hodgson has deployed a 4-4-2 formation this season with Jordan Ayew leading the line alongside talisman Wilfried Zaha, who has bagged three goals in as many appearances so far this season.

There has been no place in the squad for Christian Benteke, who has managed just eight minutes of action so far this season.

The Belgian's goalscoring woes over the past few years have been well documented, and with Hodgson determined to bring in even more competition in attack, Benteke is expected to leave the club in the coming weeks.


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Source: 90min