Give us a buzz! Bees out to lure Dean Smith

The 44-year-old manager, who has masterminded the Saddlers' promotion charge this season, has been targeted by the west London club in their protracted search for a new manager. Brentford sacked head coach Marinus Dijkhuizen in September with former Everton midfielder Lee Carsley placed in temporary charge.

But while sources close to Brentford confirmed Smith is now number one choice for Bees chairman Matthew Benham, officials at Walsall remained tight-lipped, insisting they were unavailable to comment.

Currently 11th in the Championship, four points outside the play-offs, Brentford had looked set to appoint Swansea's assistant manager Pep Clotet last week.

However, negotiations broke down last week, with Benham then making his move for Smith after initially expressing an interest at the beginning of November. Smith must now decide whether to leave the club which gave him his big break as a player and manager to join one with ambitions of winning promotion to the Premier League.

But the manager will want to make the right choice for both himself and his family and has spoken in the past about Walsall being close to his heart.

Smith has also said he enjoys having complete control of team affairs at the Banks's Stadium, something that might not be on offer at Griffin Park.

Despite widespread reports claiming he was axed, former Brentford manager Mark Warburton left the Bees by mutual consent last season after a disagreement with Benham on club policy.

With the chairman keen to sign new players, Warburton didn't want any additions to upset the harmony of his team.