This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Brentford manager Thomas Frank is looking to strengthen his squad, following opening day defeat to Birmingham City, with Southend United midfielder Dru Yearwood moving to the Bees for an undisclosed fee, as confirmed on the club website.

Yearwood, 19,  joins on a four-year deal with the option of an extra year, having played 61 games in two seasons at Roots Hall and could feature in Saturday's Championship trip to Middlesbrough.

So is Yearwood a good addition at Griffin Park?

We discuss........

Alfie Burns

“This looks like a ‘Brentford-type’ of signing, if ever I’ve seen one.

“Yearwood is 19 and a real talent that’s been impressing in the lower leagues for Southend, and over the last couple of years he’s picked up some valuable experience that’s going to serve him well throughout his career.

“Stepping up to the Championship with a team like Brentford is a logical step for the teenager – he will know all about their ability to improve young players – and he will be looking to impress his new boss at the earliest of opportunities.

“I can see this looking really shrewd in the coming years.”

Louie Chandler

"It is a smart move for the future.

"With Romaine Sawyers leaving there is no doubt that the Bees' midfield needed bolstering but with the likes of Jensen, Norgaard and Mbeumo arriving they have probably already achieved that.

"But, at 19, Yearwood represents a smart investment for the next three or four seasons although that isn't to say he can't pose some serious competition this season.

"He will have nothing to lose this season in terms of his place in the team which could easily lead to some very fearless performances, which is what Brentford fans ultimately love to see."

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Toby Wilding

"I can see this being a good signing for Brentford.

"Yearwood was one of Southend's stand out performers last season, and given the number of clubs linked with him earlier in the window, it does seem as though there was a strong consensus that the midfielder is capable of playing in the second tier.

"Midfield does also look to be an area that the Bees are short on numbers in heading into the final days of the transfer window, so bringing in Yearwood looks to be a decent addition in that respect as well.

"At just 19-years-old, Yearwood clearly has both plenty of potential, and room to develop his game further, and having signed a four-year contract at Griffin Park, that looks as though it is something that Brentford are in a strong position to benefit from for some time to come."