Who is Said Benrahma? 'The Championship’s Algerian magician' on Newcastle United summer transfer list

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Said Benrahma of Brentford looks on during the Sky Bet Championship match between Brentford FC and Nottingham Forest at Griffin Park on January 28, 2020 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Newcastle United have been heavily credited with an interest in Brentford winger Saïd Benrahma.

But who is he and where would he fit in at St James's Park? We take a closer look.

Key details

Age: 24

Nationality: Algerian

Position: Forward

How likely is a move to Tyneside?

Benrahma has been linked with a few Premier League clubs for a potential summer switch but the Magpies are confident they’ll be right in the mix for the 24-year-old’s signature and he has been scouted by the club since last summer.

The move could all depend on whether Brentford will be playing Premier League football next season as The Bees are currently just two points off the automatic promotion places.

Benrahma has netted eight goals for the London club this season along with six assists with Thomas Frank’s side occupying fifth in the Championship.

What does his manager say?

Thomas Frank has labelled his creative star as magnificent and believes the struggles he’s had recently has helped him become the player he is.

Frank told West London Sport. "He’s had some emotional days but he said he wanted to play for his Dad and do the best he can. He was magnificent in his actions.”

What does his career path tell us?

Benrahma signed for Brentford in the summer of 2018 from French club Nice where he started life in football coming up through the youth ranks.

He has scored 18 goals so far in his Brentford career and has three international caps for Algeria, making his first appearance in 2015.

He recently picked up the award for PFA Fans' Player of the Month after originally being nominated for the award in October last year.

Where is he most effective?

The Algerian’s most natural position is out wide but can play up front as well.

He has been playing up top on the left of Brentford’s 4-3-3 formation which has certainly contributed to the high amount of goals the Bees have scored this season compared to some of the other promotion challenging sides in the Championship.