Brentford are likely to be more active towards the end of the transfer window as Dean Smith admitted the Bees aren't close to any deals.

The main story regarding Brentford has been the Scott Hogan transfer saga with West Ham having three bids rejected for the 24-year-old.

And Smith believes that most deals will be done later in the transfer window as clubs get a better idea of where they are at this season.

He said: “There's none close at the moment. I think in January there's a lot of speculation but not many deals done until later in the window.”

While it is not imperative for the Bees to sell before they buy, Smith is likely to do so in order to keep the squad from becoming bloated.

He added: “They're not necessary. We feel we've got a balanced squad. We don't want to stockpile a squad so it'll probably be ins and outs.”

England's Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard embrace after the final whistle during the FIFA World Cup Group D match against Costa Rica.
England's Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard embrace

Smith has gone on record in the past saying that a midfielder is a priority and, after joking that he'd love to sign Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, outlined what he was looking for.

He explained: “We'd like someone who can break play up, keep it simple but have mobility as well.”

The rumour mill has been in overdrive and some reports have even linked Brentford with a move for Aston Villa striker Ross McCormack.

Signing the Scot would go against the Bees' well-known transfer policy of signing young, hungry players with a potential resale value. The frontman ticks none of those boxes and Smith quashed the rumours.

He said: “I don't think he's one we can probably afford either.”

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