Brentford have completed the signing of talented Southend United midfielder Dru Yearwood on an initial four-year contract.

The 19-year-old has impressed for the Shrimpers over the past two years, with his technical ability and composure in possession clear to see.

And, he will now get the chance to play in the Championship after the Bees announced his arrival on their official site this evening.

Yearwood is seen as a replacement for Romaine Sawyers, who left Griffin Park for West Brom earlier in the window, and boss Thomas Frank made it clear that he has high hopes for the teenager.

"Dru has the qualities we want in a midfield player at Brentford. He is very good at getting around the pitch and does the work we want in terms of pressing and winning the ball back. He is a young player and there will be more to come from him."

As well as that, Co-Director of Football Phil Giles explained how long Yearwood has been on their radar.

"We have been watching Dru develop over the past 12 months, and his playing record for a 19-year-old is impressive. With Romaine Sawyers moving on we had a space in the squad which we wanted to fill with someone who has a lot of potential."

He could go straight into the squad for the game at Middlesbrough this weekend.

The Verdict

This looks as though it could be another top signing for Brentford, who have shown over the years they are one of the best when it comes to identifying top talents in the lower leagues.

The midfielder fits the profile of what they look for in a player and the fact they are stating he is Sawyers replacement shows how much they rate the youngster.

Now, it's down to Yearwood to justify this praise and he will hope to make an immediate impact if he is given an opportunity at Boro on Saturday.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.