Walsall boss Dean Smith has emerged as the new hot favourite for the Brentford head coach job after talks with Pep Clotet broke down.
Swansea number two Clotet was the front-runner for the job this time last week, and an imminent appointment had been expected, but the Bees pulled out after negotiations dragged on and finally hit the buffers.
Walsall's permission to approach Smith, who has one of the best reputation among lower league managers, has now been sought by the club.
However, Lee Carsley , who has been in temporary charge since the sacking of Marinus Dijkhuizen in September, will remain in charge for tomorrow's trip to Bolton Wanderers.
Having led Walsall to the Johnstone Paints Trophy final last season, where the Saddlers lost 2-0 to Bristol City, Smith has guided Walsall to within three points of League One leaders Coventry this season, with a game in hand on them.
Since taking over from Chris Hutchings four years ago, the former Saddlers defender, who also played for Hereford, Leyton Orient, Sheffield Wednesday and Port Vale, has impressed on a limited budget.
