Yoann Barbet could complete a move to Aston Villa after his departure was confirmed by Brentford.
Villa’s former Brentford boss Dean Smith is known to be keen to snap up the defender, who played under him at Griffin Park.
He is now available on a free transfer after the Bees confirmed he will leave at the end of his contract along with Josh McEachran, Lewis Macleod, Moses Odubajo and goalkeeper Jack Bonham.
The release of Odubajo is surprising given that he played 35 games for the club last season and started 22 Championship matches.
Odubajo returned for a second spell at the club after being plagued by injury problems after leaving for Hull.
He impressed during a trial and seemed to prove his return to fitness after being given a one-year deal, but Brentford have decided not to take up an option to extend his contract.
Barbet, meanwhile, admitted earlier this year that he was flattered to be linked with a move to Villa.
He told West London Sport: “I am out of contract so maybe that is why they talk about Villa. The manager was here, they need defenders, I can play both (left-back and centre-back).
“When you hear a big team want you or will try to sign you it makes you feel you’re a good player.
“I just stick to the positive part of it. If a big team wants me it’s because I’m doing well, so I try to carry that on as much as I can, and then we’ll see in the future.”