Smith insists Bees are not pursuing Paterson

Brentford plan to add two more players to their squad before next Monday’s transfer deadline, but have ruled out a move for Nottingham Forest’s Jamie Paterson.

Head coach Dean Smith said he wants a midfielder and a winger to strengthen his side, even if he keeps hold of wanted players such as James Tarkowski and Alan Judge.

The Bees have been linked with Paterson, who is currently on loan at Huddersfield but earned his big break under Smith at Walsall.

Smith said: “He’s a player I like, that’s for sure. He was one who was close to me, who I brought through.

“But he’s a Nottingham Forest player, on loan at Huddersfield, so it’s not one we’re pursuing at the moment.”

Smith still hopes to add another central midfielder, after losing Toumani Diagouraga to Leeds and missing out on signing Manchester City youngster George Evans, who instead signed on loan for Reading.

He added: “We lost out on George but we’re talking to others. Talks can be pretty slow until you get closer to the deadline and then they seemed to get rushed through pretty quickly. But we’re hoping we can get something sorted by 2 February.”

However, midfielder Ryan Williams – who has not featured in the first-team squad since signing from Morecambe in the summer – will be allowed to find a new club as he is not in Smith’s plans.