Brentford have had a very tough start to life under Thomas Frank, with the new Bees boss losing four of his first five games.

That has seen the side fall into the bottom half and they are now seven points behind the play-off places going into the international break.

Despite that, those connected to the club will feel they have the quality to climb the table, particularly as they have arguably the best striker in the Championship in Neal Maupay.

The 22-year-old has enjoyed an outstanding start to the season, scoring 12 goals and recording six assists in just 15 league games.

Such a return is fantastic and it’s fair to say it won’t have gone unnoticed by clubs in the Premier League.

So, whilst Brentford will hope his goals can fire them up into promotion contention, the reality is that they could have a battle to keep their star man in January.

We’ve seen in the past that the London outfit aren’t scared to sell key players and here we look at THREE replacements they should be considering if the former Brest man does depart…

The Bees like to find young, talented players that can improve and Gallagher certainly fits into that bracket.

He has done okay in the Championship with Blackburn and Birmingham in the past but is now stuck at Southampton where he can’t get a game.

It’s the right time for a permanent move for the striker and he could start to fulfil his potential with regular football at Griffin Park.

Another who would fit the mould of a young, hungry player who has real potential is Maja.

Sunderland would obviously be reluctant to lose their main man but the reality is Maupay would command a very big fee and that could give the Bees power in the market.

Maja is a technically sound player who has good pace and movement and has the qualities that you would expect to flourish in a stylish Bees side.

Brentford have a link with Danish champions FC Midtjylland and they could use those to try and prise away striker Onuachu.

The big Nigerian has scored goals for fun in Denmark over the past few years and is ready to move on.

He has been linked with some decent European sides in the past, but he may see a move to Brentford as a stepping stone to the Premier League.