Crystal Palace have made a formal offer for coveted Brentford forward Said Benrahma, and are hoping to secure the Algerian on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy.
Benrahma was part of the feared 'BMW' strike-force that took Brentford to within one game of returning to the Premier League last season, but their failure to secure promotion has stunted their chances of holding onto him this summer. They have already lost the 'W' in that triumvirate - Ollie Watkins signed for Aston Villa last week.
25-year-old Benrahma, who scored 17 goals in a show-stopping 2019/20 campaign, has threatened to follow suit, and 90min has confirmed that, as Sky Sports reported earlier, Palace have officially entered the running.
A source has indicated that the Eagles have made a formal approach to loan him in for the 2020/21 campaign, with an agreement to buy in 12 months time. The ball is in Brentford's court as things stand - they are yet to accept the offer, and it is unclear if they will.
On the player's part, he is uncertain over a move to Selhurst Park, and may hold out for a move elsewhere even if it means risking another season in the Championship with the Bees. There has been nothing to suggest he is in any great rush to leave, and he may be hoping that Arsenal will formalise their interest.
90min reported at the end of August that the Gunners were considering a double deal for Benrahma and Brentford keeper David Raya. The latter will be of significant interest now - third-choice keeper Matt Macey was named on the bench to face Fulham at the weekend, as Emiliano Martinez undergoes a medical at Aston Villa.
Benrahma was left out of the 1-0 defeat to Birmingham at the weekend but it is unclear if that is related to a potential move. As noted, negotiations with Palace are at a very early stage, and the first offer only arrived on Monday - two days after the trip to the Midlands.
Source : 90min