His hat-trick against Rotherham today will have the vultures circling more than ever – but Brentford are in no hurry to activate Jota's contract extension clause.

When the Spaniard was allowed to go back to his native country a year ago, on loan with Eibar while he sorted out some personal issues, the pay-off was him signing an extended deal with an option to run until next summer.

As things stand, Jota is out of contract this summer and would be free to join any number of clubs alerted to his talent by some magnificent performances since returning to Griffin Park last month.

Bees boss Dean Smith said: “We have an option on extending his contract at the end of the season, but there is no hurry regarding that because the contract option is in the club’s favour. We've not spoken about it yet, but I'm sure it's on the director of footballs' agenda.

Shout it out: Jota celebrates with Nico Yennaris

“He is a terrific player, and I have not worked with a player with such good balance. When he runs with the ball he is a joy to watch, and he has a wand of a left foot. But allied to that, since he came back, his work ethic has been wonderful.

“He's not a natural defender by any means, but he certainly puts a shift in. I had been wondering what all this 'Jota in the last minute' (as sung by Bees fans) was all about – but now I know!

“I had only been here about a month when he went back to Spain, but he didn't seem right, and if he hadn't gone home to sort his issues out, his head wouldn't have been in the right place for playing for Brentford.

“When he came back I talked to him about whether it was something he really wanted, and since he's been back he's been a delight.”

Three points: The Bees are buzzing again