Brentford's transfer business has been absolutely superb during the transfer window so far.

The Bees have captured the likes of Neal Maupay and Ollie Watkins, who were attracting interest from clubs with far greater resources than the west Londoners.

Chief scout Andy Scott, co-directors of football Rasmus Ankersen and Phil Giles, head coach Dean Smith, owner Matthew Benham plus the analysts and scouts behind the scenes deserve high praise for the work done to bring the players the Bees needed this summer.

Let's not forget Brighton were keen on making a late move for Maupay and they have the attraction of Premier League football.

Rasmus Ankersen

As for Watkins, the likes of Leeds, Aston Villa and Reading were keen on signing him. All of those clubs, given their histories, are more attractive and all three could certainly offer more in wages.

So how did Brentford outmanoeuvre their rivals? In my opinion, it's because they out-thought them and did thorough research.

Not as many clubs were interested in Watkins last year but the Bees were. The player himself would surely have known this.

Brentford would have prepared a full outline of how they would fit into the team and precisely what would be expected of them.

Phil Giles

Maupay, in an interview with France Football, confirmed just as much; I have the key quotes, in my opinion, in bold below.

He said: “I have had some contacts with English and French clubs. But I got the staff and the managers from Brentford on the phone. They knew me perfectly. I felt desirable.

“When I saw that they mastered all my course, my game and my season in Brest, I thought they really wanted me.”

Clearly there are assumptions made about the intelligence of footballers. In my experience, they are more clever than many give them credit for.

Andy Scott

Brentford target young players with potential and they can point to players like Andre Gray, Scott Hogan, Stuart Dallas and others who thrived after moving to Griffin Park from the lower leagues before making another step.

But, as they say, the devil is in the detail and the fact they make sure they almost know how a player will react before walking in the door is something that will help convince a player to join.

There is a buzz around Griffin Park at the moment and there have even been mentions of the p-word amongst supporters. Long may that continue.