Yoann Barbet has been the subject of increased speculation about his future with Brentford, with the defender impressing this season for the Bees. 

It had previously been reported by the Birmingham Mail that Barbet was attracting interest from Dean Smith's Aston Villa earlier this season, as the Villa manager looks to work with his former defender for the second time.

But the defender's contract is due to expire in the summer, which has raised questions about his future with the Bees.

Speaking in an interview with football.london, Barbet admitted that he is enjoying life at Brentford and is keen to repay the fans' belief in him.

"I love this club and I do everything I can. The fans are great with me and that makes me really happy because it shows I'm doing a good job.

"I'm not trying to present myself in a certain way for them to love me, I'm just being myself."

But Barbet has also hinted that he could leave the club in the summer when his current deal expires, and hasn't ruled out making a move to another Championship side.

"It's good to see all the love from the fans, but I'm approaching the end of my contract and, after four years, maybe I want to see another country and another league.

"I could end up staying in the Championship, it's hard to say."

This revelation is likely put Villa back on red-alert and they could be tempted to renew their interest in Barbet when the transfer window reopens in the summer.

But for the time being, Barbet will be focusing on helping keep Brentford's faint play-off hopes alive when they take on promotion rivals, Middlesbrough at the weekend.

The Verdict: 

I'd be surprised if he is still with Brentford by the start of next season.

Barbet has been impressive for the Bees in this year's campaign and I can see him being tempted with a move away from Griffin Park if a formal bid from Villa comes in.

If he wants to further his career, he'll make the move at the earliest of opportunities.