Losing a star striker can be a blessing in disguise for some clubs, with others emerging from the shadows and discovering the form they failed to find whilst under the intense scrutiny of competition.

Brentford encountered a similar situation in January when Scott Hogan departed for Aston Villa, and Lasse Vibe uncovered a devastating run of goalscoring form which saw the Dane finish with 15 goals and 7 assists by the end of the campaign.

Vibe was deadly in the second half of the season, and the partnership he formed with the returning pair of Jota and Sergi Canos transformed Brentford from possible relegation candidates, to an outside bet for a place in the top six.

With just a year remaining on his contract however and no sign of a new deal materialising, the 30-year-old Danish international could be on his way out sooner rather than later, and there are fears around Griffin Park that Vibe could opt to move away from the club this summer.

The club seem resigned to losing the Dane next summer no matter what, and have moved in the past few weeks to find suitable replacements should the player’s situation change before the end of the transfer window.

Young Frenchman Neal Maupay has joined from St Etienne, and Football League young player of the year Ollie Watkins has moved to London from Exeter to continue to his football education.

The 20 and 21-year-old pair are young, talented, and extremely ambitious, and could become stars of the division as their stock begins to grow.

Maupay has come from abroad however and Watkins has jumped up two levels, so a settling period may be required, and keeping Vibe is essential while the pair adapt to the demands of the Championship.

The experienced man will be key to passing on his wealth of knowledge to the youngsters, and his influence will be felt strongly both on and off the pitch next semester.

Boss Dean Smith will do what he can to keep the player at the club, and Vibe should certainly stay with the West London outfit for at least another season.

How important is Vibe to your top six push, Bees fans?