Dean Smith names West Ham player he wanted in the summer

Add as preferred source on Google

Dean Smith has suggested that he was interested in bringing Said Benrahma to Aston Villa in the summer before the Algerian’s move to West Ham United – in comments reported by Birmingham Live.

Benrahma was linked with a host of Premier League sides last year. He had been outstanding as Brentford came agonisingly close to sealing promotion.

Ultimately, it was West Ham who won the race for the 25-year-old. But The Telegraph claimed shortly before his loan switch to the London Stadium that the Villans were keen.

And ahead of the meeting between the two sides today, Smith confirmed that there was interest. He also explained the reason why Villa did not make a move.

“He’s one we looked at but I see Jack Grealish on the left and there’s not many people who will get ahead of him, if any,” he said, as reported by Birmingham Live.

“He was certainly one of the best signings at Brentford for the money we got him for. He was excellent last season for them and has gone to West Ham and it’s taken him a while to get a consistent run of games.

“He seems to be finding himself now. David has had him in the team for the last five or six games which shows he’s got the trust of David now.”

TBR View: Smith will hope Benrahma’s a success – but only after Wednesday’s meeting

Smith will have long been aware of what the attacker can do. He coached Benrahma while he was in charge at Griffin Park.

So he will know how dangerous the forward could be at Villa Park later on.

Benrahma is still adapting to his new surroundings. He is yet to score his first goal for the Hammers, but he has provided a couple of assists. And there have been a couple of occasions when he has threatened to steal the show.

Smith will clearly want Benrahma to be a success with West Ham. But that will probably not stop him hoping that his performance on Wednesday vindicates Villa’s decision to not pursue a move.