The path could be a little clearer for Aston Villa in their pursuit of Brentford forward Said Benrahma as a West Ham insider has claimed that The Hammers will not compete with Villa for the signing of the Algerian.
The report from the trusted Ex-WHU Employee, via Claret & Hugh, claims that The Hammers will not compete for any major transfers unless they offload either Manuel Lanzini or Felipe Anderson.
When asked about the possibility of a move for Benrahma, Ex-WHU Employee stated that The Hammers wouldn’t make any move unless players were sold: “Not without selling players first I wouldn’t think.”
Both sides had been linked with a move for the 25-year-old who starred in Brentford’s ultimately disappointing Championship season.
Now it seems Villa boss Dean Smith could have a free run at signing his top target. Birmingham Live have reported previously that the move is on the cards as part of a £100m rejuvenation at Villa Park this summer.
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The Algerian forward was outstanding all season for the Bees and nearly helped fire them to the Premier League but they ended up losing out in the playoff final to Fulham.
Benrahma ended the 2019/20 campaign with 17 goals and nine assists from his 46 Championship appearances.
With West Ham seemingly out of the race, there is seemingly no better time to make a move to bring the Algerian international to Villa Park.
