Brentford seal move for Gillingham defender

Brentford have made their second signing of the day, with Gillingham defender John Egan following Walsall midfielder Romaine Sawyers to Griffin Park.

Egan, 23, has signed a three-year deal with Brentford after his contract with the Gills expired.

He was named in the League One team of the year last season and made 92 appearances, scoring 11 goals, in two seasons at the Priestfield Stadium.

Brentford were interested in signing Egan in January, as a replacement for Burnley-bound James Tarkowski, but could not get the deal completed. He turned down the offer of a new contract with Gillingham to step up a division.

The former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international began his youth career at Sunderland, and had loan spells with Crystal Palace, Sheffield United, Bradford and Southend before joining the Gills in 2014.

Earlier on Friday, Sawyers completed his move to Brentford, agreeing a four-year contract with the Bees.

He was an ever-present in the Walsall side that reached the League One play-off semi-finals last season, and was voted the second best player in the division.

Brentford are also hoping to conclude a deal for Southend goalkeeper Dan Bentley, who has undergone a medical.

However they have lost captain Jake Bidwell, who has completed his switch to west London rival QPR.