Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has claimed that Said Benrahma would be a fantastic signing for West Ham, should he join the club from Brentford before Friday's transfer deadline.

It was reported by Sky Sports recently that the Hammers have agreed a £30million fee for Benrahma, who has scored 30 goals and provided 25 assists in 94 appearances in all competitions for the Bees.

Despite reports elsewhere suggesting West Ham had abandoned a move for Benrahma in favour of their pursuit of Josh King, an update from Sky Sports' Transfer Centre (12/10, 18:40) has claimed that the Hammers remain interested in the Brentford man, and it seems Whelan believes that the Algerian would be a perfect fit at The London Stadium.

Speaking to Football Insider about whether or not Benrahma would be a good signing for David Moyes' side, Whelan said: “I think it would be a fantastic signing.

“They need a creative midfield player, someone who can open up a defence and he can do that. That is the one thing they are missing."

Indeed, it seems that after a string of departures from West Ham over the summer, including the recent exit of Jack Wilshere, Whelan believes the Hammers should have the funds available to get this deal over the line, as he added: “Now that they have got rid of Jack Wilshere there is a space there and money available.

“This could be a really good move by West Ham. I think he will add something different to David Moyes’s side.  If you can get him doing the hard yards as well, which he has done for Brentford, then it is a really smart move."

Whelan also went on to suggest that Benrahma would be a greater asset for the Hammers than Felipe Anderson, who recently left the club to join Porto on loan, with the ex-England youth international concluding: “They had to carry Anderson and you cannot do that in the Premier League.” The Verdict It is hard not to agree with Whelan here. Benrahma has been excellent for Brentford over the past couple of years, and his ability to both score and create goals could be crucial for West Ham if they are able to bring him in. Indeed, having already enjoyed success with their recruitment from the Championship thanks to Jarrod Bowen, this is a move the Hammers ought to be confident will work out for them if it happens. You also have to feel that after a disappointing transfer window so far, the club could do with pulling off a high profile move such as this, if they are to have any chance of getting some of their dissenting fans back onside for the coming campaign.