Phil Giles says that Brentford don’t expect to wait too long to snare a new first-choice goalkeeper after opting to cash in on Daniel Bentley.

The highly-rated 25-year-old signed for Bristol City on Friday for a reported fee in the region of £2 million, the former Southend United man departing after three seasons with the Bees.

With Luke Daniels and teenager Ellery Balcombe now Brentford’s remaining recognised senior shot-stoppers, Phil Giles is confident that he and fellow co-director of football Rasmus Ankersen will be able to bring in an able successor to Bentley’s No.1 shirt.

“As most fans will know, Dan had one year remaining on his contract,” said Giles.

“With that in mind it makes sense to sell now and reinvest the transfer fee.

“We have been planning ahead with regards to bringing a new goalkeeper to the club and hope to make some progress soon.

“On a personal note, I’m sad to see Dan leave as he has been a fantastic person and professional during his time here, and I wish him well.”

Former Arsenal trainee Bentley helped Southend defeat Wycombe Wanderers in the 2015 League Two play-off finals, saving two penalties in the shoot-out to atone for his 95th-minute own goal.

He missed just one Championship game in both of his first two seasons as a Brentford player and in 2017-18, set a new club record for the most clean sheets kept by a goalkeeper in a single second-tier season.

He made 125 Bees appearances in all competitions, keeping 35 clean sheets.

Brentford head coach Thomas Frank said: “Dan has done a very good job for us over the past three years.

“He came in and earned his position as first-choice goalkeeper, helping us perform well in the Championship.

“During my time at Brentford, he has been a fantastic professional, and a great character to have around the training ground and in the dressing room.

“This is an opportunity for Dan to enjoy a new challenge and a new adventure in his career.

“We are sorry to see him go but wish him all the best for the future and look forward to seeing him again soon.”