Brentford could make up to five signings in the January transfer window and expect to kick off their winter business with the signing of Gremio right-back Vanderson

The Bees are determined to secure their Premier League status in the long term and may spend north of £40m next month alone in order to boost their survival chances. Thomas Frank’s side are currently nine points clear of the drop zone and moved into the top half of the table after a late comeback win against Watford on Friday night.

Sources have told  that Brentford believe they have all but completed the signing of 20-year old Vanderson, who came close to a move to west London in the summer transfer window.

Brentford’s analytic and scouting teams believe South America is currently one of the best value-for-money markets. Vanderson’s signing would not have been possible pre-Brexit and more opportunities appear to be opening up to sign young talent from the continent.

Braga’s Francisco Moura is another player Brentford have been linked to recently, but the Bees aren’t currently in talks with the 22-year-old and are not actively looking to strengthen at left-wing-back.

Following promotion to the Premier League at the end of the 2020/21 season, Brentford made three of the most expensive signings in their history. Frank Onyeka joined from FC Midtjylland for £8m, Yoane Wissa signed for £8.5m from Lorient, and they paid a club-record £13.5m to bring in Kristoffer Ajer from Celtic amid interest from Germany.

That summer window also marked the first time in several years that the club did not sell any key players. Emiliano Marcondes and Henrik Dalsgaard, who both started their play-off final win against Swansea, left after their contracts expired.