Brentford's Teamtalk news service reports that Ron Noades has eventually agreed a price for Trevor Benjamin and is discussing personal terms with the player. This report is unsubstantiated and neither club has commented so far.

Noades, a long-time admirer of Martin Butler, appeared to switch his attention to Benjamin after the 2-2 draw at the Abbey earlier this season and has had previous bids turned down. He is also rumoured to be on the verge of returning to Crystal Palace so something doesn't quite add up.

Roy McFarland commented in a recent interview for U's Net, "It is well documented that Brentford like our strikers, but that is all I am prepared to say about it. If either of those players leave this football club it will be for the right money, and so far Brentford have not offered that."

The reported fee is £750,000 which is likely to comprise a down-payment with more on appearances or promotion and, if true, a sell-on clause is sure to be part of any package for a young home-grown player with such potential. Brentford spent more on their team than the rest of Division Three combined last season, and their coffers were boosted by the £2.5m sale of Hermann Hreidarson to Wimbledon earlier this season.

The same Teamtalk report mentions that Noades has also been impressed by Scunthorpe striker Guy Ipoua, another big strong striker, but the Benjamin link has been persistent for the last couple of months and it could be that Noades has finally come up with a package to tempt United into parting with the 20-year-old. A deal for Martin Butler fell apart in the summer due to the extended terms for payment of the transfer fee.