Post by Admin on Jul 9, 2017 11:02:52 GMT 1
Brentford Manager Dean Smith has ruled out Derby County signing Brentford star Jota.
The Bees' boss left Jota out of their 5-1 friendly win over Aldershot Town on Friday, but confirmed it was because of a reported "imminent" bid from a Premier League club.
Smith also likened Jota to John Terry leaving Chelsea and said that the Spaniard would not move to another Championship club because of his affection for Brentford.
The quotes come despite bookmakers Sky Bet pricing the Rams as favourites to land the 26-year-old.
Jota was 7/4 to sign for Gary Rowett's men for the 2017-18 season, while Burnley (7/2), West Ham (8/1) and Newcastle United (12/1) were also in there.
"Jota's agent has told him that there is a bid imminent from a Premier League team and it has to be a massive bid," Smith told GetWestLondon.
"He and his representatives know that. His affection for the football club is second to none.
"He won't go to a Championship team because, it sounds corny, but like John Terry he doesn't want to play against Brentford.
"We understand that the Premier League is where a lot of young footballers want to play now and our aim is to get there.
"He's been no problem at all. He's happy to play for Brentford, if nothing comes that is acceptable to the football club.
"If something doesn't happen very soon he'll say I'm staying at Brentford because of his affection for the club."
The Bees' boss left Jota out of their 5-1 friendly win over Aldershot Town on Friday, but confirmed it was because of a reported "imminent" bid from a Premier League club.
Smith also likened Jota to John Terry leaving Chelsea and said that the Spaniard would not move to another Championship club because of his affection for Brentford.
The quotes come despite bookmakers Sky Bet pricing the Rams as favourites to land the 26-year-old.
Jota was 7/4 to sign for Gary Rowett's men for the 2017-18 season, while Burnley (7/2), West Ham (8/1) and Newcastle United (12/1) were also in there.
"Jota's agent has told him that there is a bid imminent from a Premier League team and it has to be a massive bid," Smith told GetWestLondon.
"He and his representatives know that. His affection for the football club is second to none.
"He won't go to a Championship team because, it sounds corny, but like John Terry he doesn't want to play against Brentford.
"We understand that the Premier League is where a lot of young footballers want to play now and our aim is to get there.
"He's been no problem at all. He's happy to play for Brentford, if nothing comes that is acceptable to the football club.
"If something doesn't happen very soon he'll say I'm staying at Brentford because of his affection for the club."