Brentford striker Neal Maupay would favour a move to the Premier League this summer if he leaves Griffin Park.
The 22-year-old has just finished a brilliant season in the Championship where he scored 25 league goals, which was a tally beaten only by Teemu Pukki of Norwich and Chelsea loanee Tammy Abraham.
Maupay is not unhappy at Brentford and is unlikely to force a move, but his form has attracted interest from clubs all over Europe.
The striker has caught the eye of sides in France, Germany and Italy and, should a sufficient bid be made, he could have the chance to ply his trade in one of those country’s top leagues.
However, the Frenchman is also attracting interest from Premier League clubs and Standard Sport understands that is Maupay’s preferred destination if he leaves Brentford.
It is not certain, though, that the striker will leave Griffin Park this summer and it will take a sizeable bid to get him out of west London.
Aston Villa explored the possibility of signing him in January, but they were quoted an asking price of £20m by the Bees.
Villa are coached by former Brentford boss Dean Smith, who was in charge of the club when they signed Maupay from Saint-Etienne in 2017 for £1.6million.
Having won promotion to the Premier League, Aston Villa are expected to return for the striker as their interest has not faded but they face competition.
Brighton, who tried to sign Maupay two years ago when he went to Brentford, are interested in landing the Frenchman. The 22-year-old is also a target for Championship winners Norwich City and runners-up Sheffield United.
The level of interest in Maupay and the fact he still has two years on his contract has put Brentford in a strong negotiating position and, as in January, they can demand a high fee for him.
