Bees boss Andy Scott has tabled an offer to secure Ipswich Town defender Pim Balkestein on a permanent deal after Tractor Boys manager Roy Keane refused to let the Dutchman out on loan.

The Brentford chief, who had hoped to borrow the former Heerenveen defender until the end of the season, made the enquiry last week in the wake of Alan Bennett’s red card at Brighton & Hove Albion.

Keane, who recalled Tommy Smith from the Bees earlier this month, was only prepared to discuss a possible transfer in the summer and Scott admits he is keeping tabs on the situation.

“We spoke to them. We knew Tommy had gone back and was on the bench, while Pim wasn’t involved,” he said,.

“We asked the question about his availability and they weren’t keen to ship him out on loan, so we made an enquiry about what the situation was with him.

“We’re monitoring that and we’re looking to next year as well, to bring good players in and he fits the bill. Clearly financially it has got to fit in with the budget for next year and the wage structure we’ve got.”

Striker Charlie MacDonald has given his manager a major boost by putting pen to paper on a new and improved two-year contract that will keep him at the club until 2012.

“He has shown he is capable of scoring goals at League Two and League One levels and indeed has been the mainstay of the general improvement in the squad,” added Scott.

And MacDonald admitted securing his future was a weight off his mind.

“It is such a relief at this important point in the season not to have to concern myself with discussions regarding a new contract,” he said.

“To agree a new extended deal now means I can concentrate on scoring goals and helping the team push up the table.”