BEES ON HUNT IF HOGAN PRICE IS AGREED
SCOTT Hogan’s time at Brentford looks like nearing its end, but head coach Dean Smith is adamant the star striker will only leave if the club’s valuation is met.
West Ham have submitted several bids for the 24-year-old, but the Bees are apparently holding out for £15million.
Before the weekend, Hogan had netted 14 times in 25 Championship appearances this season – more than 40 per cent of Brentford’s goals.
The Salford-born marksman moved to Griffin Park from Rochdale in the summer of 2014, but a knee injury disrupted his start to life in west London, sidelining him for 19 months.
Since his return, however, Hogan has proved himself to be prolific in the second tier and Smith insists Brentford will get their money’s worth.
“There have been offers from clubs for him, but we said all along he has a value to us,” explained Smith.
“We want to keep him at the club if we can, unless the valuation is met by any clubs looking at him. He is a driven person and you can see that from his demeanour on the pitch.”
With Brentford currently in mid-table, a play-off push or being dragged into a relegation battle are both distinct possibilities for the second half of the season.
That means, if Hogan does leave, replacing a man whose goals have proved pivotal this term is a necessity for Smith.
And the former Walsall boss has been getting ahead of the game in scouting potential alternatives.
“We have been looking, just in case anything did happen,” added Smith. “We have a number of different options but the January window is a funny time and it becomes very difficult.
“There are options we will pursue if anything happens.”
The Bees have been linked with Grimsby ace Omar Bogle.