Bees agree deal to sign Everton striker on loan

Brentford have agreed the loan signing of Uruguayan striker Leandro Rodriguez from Everton.

Rodriguez, 23, is expected to be in the Bees squad for Saturday’s home match against Blackburn Rovers.

He joined Everton last summer from River Plate Montevideo and has made one first-team appearance for the Premier League club, coming on as a last-minute substitute in an FA Cup game against Dagenham & Redbridge.

Brentford boss Dean Smith said after Saturday’s defeat against QPR – his team’s sixth defeat in seven matches – that he intended to bring in a forward on loan.

He started without a recognised striker at Loftus Road, opting to play Alan Judge up front with Marco Djuricin and Lasse Vibe on the bench.

“I don’t think Lasse and Marco are playing as well as they can do and I thought it was time for a change,” Smith explained.