Brentford are poised to dip into their purse again this summer amid plans to bolster their ranks in the attacking department.
Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports that they have switched their attention to PSV Eindhoven’s emerging talent, Johan Bakayoko.
Brentford are considering a move for the 20-year-old right winger, who is also attracting interest from Liverpool and Everton.
Burnley had also made the dazzling Belgium international a priority target, but a transfer never materialised, and Brentford could make a late swoop to land his signature.
The exciting winger made 39 appearances across all competitions last term, contributing nine goals and six assists as PSV finished second in Eredivisie and clinched the KNVB Cup.
Brentford have also placed Olympique Lyonnais winger Bradley Barcola on their extensive shortlist, but they will face competition from Paris Saint-Germain.
Barcola is also subject to substantial attraction from Chelsea, but they have cooled their interest in the youngster since reports emerged that his preferred move was to join PSG.
Brentford have been frustrated in their efforts to sign an attacking player, and reports of their interest in Bakayoko and Barcola comes after they launched an improved bid to sign Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson.
The Bees have already seen two bids for the Wales international rejected by Forest, but they have not given up on their quest to add him to their squad.
However, they may have to do better than their recent £40 million bid to force Forest into selling, with the Tricky Trees reportedly demanding at least £50m to cut ties with their home-grown star.
Tottenham Hotspur are also preparing a bid for Johnson, and the 22-year-old will reportedly favour a move to Spurs over Brentford.
Brentford have had a bid for Argentine winger Nico Gonzalez rejected by Fiorentina, who have ruled out a summer departure for the Copa America winner.
