Bees skipper Jake Bidwell switched to QPR on a day that could spell the end of Brentford goalkeeper David Button's spell at Griffin Park.
Former Everton youngster Bidwell made the short move to Shepherds Bush on Friday ending a four and a half year stay at Griffin Park on the same day Brentford welcomed three new faces to the club.
Walsall midfielder Romaine Sawyers, Gillingham defender John Egan and Southend United goalkeeeper Daniel Bentley have all agreed long term deals with the Bees.
Highly rated: Daniel Bentley's arrival may see David Button head out of the door Picture: Brentford FC
The latter of the trio's arrival, who has signed a four-year deal, is likely to see Button move to pastures new with a number of clubs expressing an interest in his services last term, including Aston Villa.
Bidwell's exit will stick in the throat of Bees fans, but head coach Dean Smith and co-director of football Phil Giles revealed the club had little choice but to allow him to move, having failed to agree new terms with the skipper.
Solid: John Egan is highly thought of by Gillingham fans Picture: Brentford FC
"We are sad to see Jake leave. He has been a big influence on the group with his professionalism. He has been great to work with as both a player and a captain since I arrived at Brentford," said Smith, who is already eyeing a replacement.
"Unfortunately Jake has chosen to leave and we reluctantly accepted a bid. He has been a fantastic servant for the club amassing more than 200 games in a successful spell for the club and he has been a pleasure to work with."
On the dotted line: Romaine Sawyers has been watched closely since former boss Dean Smith arrived at Griffin Park Picture: Brentford FC
"On behalf of everyone at Brentford I'd like to thank Jake for everything he has done for the club," added Giles.
"I'm sure that everyone would recognise that he never gave anything less than his best on every occasion that he played.
"Having been unable to reach an agreement with Jake on a new contract, and with only one year remaining on his existing deal, we were faced with a choice of setting a price for which we would sell, or running down to the end of the contract, at which point no compensation would've been due as Jake will be 24 before the end of next season.
"I acknowledge that his move to our local rivals may not be popular among many fans, but I believe that we have done the best financial deal for Brentford."
Back: Former Bees boss Andy Scott has been named as chief scout at the club
Sawyers, 24, and Bentley, 22, have penned four year deals with the club, while Egan, 23, has committed to a three-year spell at Griffin Park.
Brentford also confirmed the return of former manager Andy Scott to the club as chief scout.
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