This article is part of Football FanCast's Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news...

Aston Villa are interested in signing Brentford's Said Benrahma, according to Sky Sports News.

What's the word?

It is reported that the club are planning a move for the winger in preparation for the January transfer window, as they seek to add to their attacking threat.

The Algeria international was linked with a move to the Villans - and the chance to reunite with his former manager Dean Smith - for much of the summer, but no agreement was reached as the club refused to meet the Bees' valuation.

Instead, they opted for Trezeguet, who has so far proved a little inconsistent with two goals in 13 games, and since Benrahma is beginning to find his own form with two goals and two assists in the previous five games, it is possible Villa will move back in for him.

Brentford want £20m for the 24-year-old, just as they did in the summer, and that could apparently prove difficult due to Smith spending £120m in the summer, though with the club hanging precariously close to the relegation zone it is possible a deal may be struck.

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Highly-thought of

Smith signed Benrahma for Brentford in the summer of 2018 and though he spent only three and a half months working with him, it was enough for him to be won over by the quality he has.

The Algerian had a superb debut season in England with 10 goals and 15 assists in the Championship, though his productivity has declined this year - perhaps due to the summer speculation.

There is no doubting his quality on the ball, however, and his technical ability allows him to glide past opponents and create chances for teammates, both of which are highlighted by his average of 2.8 successful dribbles and 2.1 key passes per game this term.

It is that kind of quality Villa are in need of, as this season they have occasionally lacked that creative spark in the wide positions, often relying instead on Jack Grealish and John McGinn to produce match-winning moments.

Those two have both contributed directly to five Premier League goals so far, whereas Trezeguet has contributed to three. Smith may feel, therefore, that there is a need for greater quality on the wing, and Benrahma seems to be his main man once more.