Crewe Alexandra have taken left-back Josh Stephenson on loan until January 2027, giving the 20-year-old a first taste of senior football away from west London.
The former Millwall academy graduate was promoted into Brentford's first-team squad this summer and handed a new contract running to 2028, having been named Player of the Year in the Bees' under-21 side last season as they reached the final of the Premier League Cup.
He featured in three Premier League matchday squads and two in the FA Cup for Brentford's first team without making an appearance, and will now look to gain the senior minutes at Crewe's Mornflake Stadium that have so far eluded him, with the option to also play at centre-back giving new boss added versatility to work with.
Brentford's name has also resurfaced in a story that does not directly involve them.
Burnley forward Zian Flemming, who has previously been linked with a move to west London, is attracting fresh interest after a strong start to life back in the Championship. The Dutchman scored 11 goals in 29 Premier League appearances last season before Burnley's relegation, and has already found the net twice against West Ham in Burnley's opening game back in the second tier.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Everton have shown interest in the 28-year-old, alongside clubs in Italy, France and the Netherlands, while RMC Sport's Fabrice Hawkins reports that Lille have now entered the race, making contact over a potential deal.
Flemming is under contract at Turf Moor until 2029, meaning any suitor, Brentford included should their interest revive, would need to negotiate a fee for a player Burnley are under no pressure to sell.