Brentford have fended off competition from Burnley to sign Oldham defender James Tarkowski.
The young centre-back has agreed a three-and-a-half year deal at Griffin Park after the clubs agreed a fee of around £150k for his services.
Tarkowski, 21, will be sent back to the Latics when the loan window reopens next week, with Kevin O'Connor continuing to provide defensive cover at Griffin Park.
Bees boss Mark Warburton told the club's website: “James is a very talented young defender who we have monitored for a period of months.
“He is a good footballing centre half, he is comfortable in possession and has a good physique.
“We are delighted we have been able to get him to Brentford on a permanent basis. It will give us good choice at centre half and excellent quality in that position.
“James ticks the box for us in terms of his age and he has lots of development left in him. We think this is a very good piece of business for the club.
“James will go back to Oldham for a month when the loan window opens. He will come back to us later in the season and is a big part of our plans for the future.”
Meanwhile, Bees youngster Alfie Mawson has joined Conference outfit Welling on loan until May.
The centre-back has also had spells at Maidenhead and Luton Town this campaign.
