This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Brentford continue to perform well under Thomas Frank this season, with their latest win over Reading at the weekend meaning the Bees have won four of their last five outings, leaving them in eighth spot in the Championship.

Frank though faces a battle to hold onto his winger Saïd Benrahma, with Aston Villa poised to mount a £20 million bid for the Algerian international in the January window, as reported in The Sun.

Benrahma has been in good form for the Bees this season with 17 appearances in all competitions, having recovered fully from the ankle injury that kept him out of the entire pre-season for this campaign.

So would Benrahma be a good signing for Villa and would it be a big blow if he left Brentford?

We discuss.........

Chris Gallagher

"Brentford need to do all they can to keep hold of the player.

"They are in a position where promotion is achievable this season and even though Aston Villa could offer big money, any deal should wait until the summer.

"Benrahma is a quality player at this level and whilst he hasn't hit the heights of last season, he will be crucial to the team moving forward.

"From Villa's perspective, he is exactly the sort of player that they need and if their situation is precarious then you could see them splashing the cash in January to stay up, so it could put the Bees in a difficult position. However, it's vital they stand firm."

Ned Holmes

"Yes, I think this could be a smart bit of business for Dean Smith's side.

"The winger has failed to reach the heights of last season (10 goals and 15 assists) and has scored just two goals and two assists so far but you certainly wouldn't bet against him having a fast second-half of the season.

"Villa were understood to be keen on the 24-year-old last summer and clearly he is someone they have a lot of faith in if they're returning for him.

"After losing Neal Maupay last summer you feel this would be a big blow for the Bees, particularly if offers come in for in-form Ollie Watkins.

"Brentford have done an impressive job of selling their best players and rebuilding in the past and you feel they may have to do something similar in the summer."

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Chris Thorpe

"I think this would be superb signing for Aston Villa, the Algerian is one of the Championship's most impressive and consistent young talents and would certainly add both goals and creativity to the Premier League side's attack.

"Villa have lacked any real consistency from their wide men this term, with much of the side's creativity in games boiling down to the form displayed by Messrs Jack Grealish and John McGinn.

"The addition of Benrahma will also add a player who has the ability to play more as an inside forward, thus meaning that he is more keen to drive in field with a view to taking shots at goal.

"It remains to be seen if Brentford would be open to a sale of one of their star men, with interest in Ollie Watkins well documented, the Bees are unlikely to want to lose two players this term, so the summer window may be Villa's best bet at this stage."