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 are hoping to sign highly-rated Blackpool full-back Marc Bola this summer, according to journalist Alan Nixon.

It has been a busy summer transfer window for the Bees so far, but Thomas Frank is still keen to strengthen his squad ahead of the new season.

Bola was released by Arsenal last year, but was able to get his career back on track with Blackpool last season and played a key role as the team achieved a top-half finish in League One.

The 21-year-old impressed in his first season at Bloomfield Road and scored two goals in 43 appearances in all competitions.

So, would Bola be a good signing for the Bees? We discuss...

Gary Hutchinson

“Yes, this would be an excellent move. Bola is the sort of player I want to see rise up; he’s come from an academy, spent time in the lower divisions getting experience and severely impressed.

“If our national game is going to improve then players like Marc Bola need these moves and chances. Look at other players impressing who have dropped down from decent academies; Jack Marriott, Matt Clarke and George Dobson are three who spring to mind immediately.

“All are Championship quality players who have worked their way back up and gained a resilience as well as having ability.

“Add too that Bola is a good player; an ‘up and down’ full-back with a good reading of the game. He’d fit right in with the Bees.”

Ned Holmes

"This could be a great signing from Brentford.

"Bola has impressed in his first season at Blackpool and was an important part of the Tangerines side, making 43 appearances for the League One side.

"He is raw and there will be questions over whether he is ready to step up to Championship football but this could be a good investment for the Bees.

"At 21, the Arsenal academy graduate should only get better over the next few years and making the step up to the second tier of English football should aid his development.

"Brentford have reportedly offered £750k for him and with just one year left on his contract, the defender should be available for relatively cheap."

Josh Cole

“I think that signing Bola would be another shrewd move by Brentford who have already enjoyed a fantastic summer of recruitment.

“When you consider that the Bees have benefited massively from bringing in the likes of Ollie Watkins and Daniel Bentley from lower league sides Exeter City and Southend United in recent years, there is no reason why Bola cannot follow in this duo’s footsteps.

“After being released by Arsenal last year, the defender has shown great character to get his career back on track and was one of Blackpool’s star performers in the third-tier last season as the club secured a 10th place finish in League One.

“With the full-back role very much of grabs at Griffin Park following Rico Henry’s and Tom Field’s inability to hold down a regular spot in Frank’s side during the previous campaign, Bola could make the role his own providing that he makes the adjustments required to his game for the step up to the Championship."