Report: West Ham hopeful of £20m Said Benrahma move

Add as preferred source on Google

West Ham United are hopeful that they will be able to convince Brentford to sell Said Benrahma for £20 million, despite The Telegraph’s suggestion that the Algerian has a £30 million asking price.

The Hammers surprised many by accepting a £18 million bid for Grady Diangana from West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday. In fact, many of their supporters could only express their anger at the reports on social media.

But it appears that Diangana’s potential exit may pave the way for David Moyes to bring in a replacement.

According to The Telegraph, West Ham plan to target Benrahma. And they are reportedly hopeful that they will be able to sign him for just £20 million, despite Brentford wanting £30 million for the forward.

TBR View: West Ham will do well to convince Brentford to drop asking price

Benrahma was one of the most impressive players in the Championship last season. He scored 17 goals and contributed nine assists. Diangana meanwhile, scored eight goals and provided six assists on loan with the Baggies.

It must be noted that the West Ham youngster made 19 fewer starts than Benrahma. But there is no question that the Bees star was outstanding.

And that is why West Ham’s reported stance seems naive. Of course, Brentford will be bracing themselves for offers for Benrahma after missing out on promotion. But they will surely have no plans to sell him for anything below their asking price.

The Telegraph also reported on Wednesday that Thomas Frank’s side have no intention of entering into negotiations with Arsenal over goalkeeper David Raya, let alone considering a deal for the Spaniard.

Clearly, a £30 million asking price suggests that they are open to possibility of selling Benrahma. But their stance on Raya highlights that they have little interest in making it easy for any admirer of their players.

It may be that West Ham are able to land Benrahma for £20 million. But they surely need to brace themselves for Brentford to respond to a bid by telling the Irons to pay a lot more.