Bentley and Egan sign as Brentford complete triple swoop

Brentford have completed a hat-trick of signings, with Gillingham defender John Egan and Southend keeper Dan Bentley 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.

Bentley, 22, who last summer was a target for QPR, has agreed a four-year contract, with a fee due to Southend because of his age.

Egan 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 him 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.

Bentley arrives at Griffin Park almost a year after he was the subject of three bids by QPR, all turned down.

He came to the attention of higher-division clubs after his displays helped Southend win promotion from League Two in 2014-15.

After the QPR transfer saga ended, Bentley continued as Southend’s first choice last term, keeping 10 clean sheets in 43 appearances in League One.

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.

The three signings come as a boost to Brentford boss Dean Smith, who lost captain Jake Bidwell to west London rivals QPR.