Brentford have rejected an offer worth more than £14million from Aston Villa for winger Said Benrahma, according to Sky Sports Transfer Centre (23/07, 17:33).

Villa reportedly made the offer a number of days ago before signing Egypt winger Mahmoud Trezeguet, and it is thought that £14million was the maximum Villa were willing to pay for Benrahma's services.

Dean Smith was keen to recruit his former winger having already brought former Bees Ezri Konsa and Jota to Villa Park, but Brentford are said to be determined to keep hold of Benrahma.

It remains to be seen whether or not Trezeguet was signed as an alternative to Benrahma, but it now seems likely that the Algerian will not be joining the newly promoted Premier League side this summer.

Benrahma was a key player for Brentford last season as the Bees secured an 11th-placed finish, with the 23-year-old being involved in 25 goals during his 38 league appearances.

The verdict

This will come as excellent news to Bees supporters as you only need to look at Benrahma's stats to see how important he was for the club last term.

The fact Brentford have rejected such a sizeable offer for the winger is also indicative of the club's ambition for the coming season considering the club's impressive transfer business so far.

However, I would like to think that Brentford would have consulted Benrahma before rejecting this offer, as I'm not sure it would seem wise to force him to stay in London if his heart his set on a Premier League move.

But if the Bees can convince Benrahma that his future lies with the club, then I think this is a superb piece of business. All the signs are pointing towards Brentford becoming a real force next term.