Aston Villa have received a boost in their hunt for Brentford winger Said Benrahma with the attacker reportedly revealing that he wants to move to Villa Park, according to L'Equipe.

The 23-year-old is one of Dean Smith's top targets this summer, having brought him to Griffin Park last summer, with his current club now making an offer €16million (£14.3million) for his services according to the report.

Benrahma scored ten goals and assisted 15 more in his first season in England, as Brentford slumped to a mid-table finish following a poor run of form after Smith's November departure.

He was brought to the club for just over £1.5million, leaving the Bees with a potential profit of over £12.5million if they accept Villa's offer - but there does not appear to be any desire to sell.

This summer has seen the West Londoners impress in the transfer window, bringing in the likes of Pontus Jansson from Leeds, David Raya from Blackburn and Ethan Pinnock from Barnsley.

With around a year to go until the club move into their new ground, there appears to be a real intent to push for promotion this season with both Neal Maupay and Benrahma seemingly part of those plans.

The verdict

If Benrahma is intent on leaving, I think Brentford should look to sell as soon as they can.

With the Bees impressive recruitment record, I would back them to more than adequately replace the Algerian this summer - as long as they do not leave it too late.

And if his sale means they have a greater chance of keeping hold of Neal Maupay then that has to be a bonus as well.

But they should only go through with it if it is going to become an issue. If Frank can convince him to stay for the coming campaign then it would be the ideal.