Exclusive: Brentford plan to accept Matthew Cox offer in January
Brentford will allow England Under-21 goalkeeper Matthew Cox to leave on loan in the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
The 22-year-old is held in high regard amongst the Brentford hierarchy, but they feel he needs to be kept active and would benefit from regular minutes in the EFL.
His availability has placed a number of clubs on high alert ahead of the mid-season window, after the Bees turned down advances during the summer.
Cox spent the second half of last season on loan at League One outfit Crawley Town, but made just three appearances before picking up an injury against Bolton.
The goalkeeper is under contract at Brentford until 2028, having arrived as a highly-rated young prospect from AFC Wimbledon in 2021.
Brentford plan to accept loan offer for Matthew Cox
Brentford are now keen for Cox to go on loan again at a similar level in a bid to gain experience following the disappointment of his most recent spell in the EFL.
Most of the goalkeeper’s playing experience has come in League One, where he has made 31 appearances across Cox’s loan spells with Bristol Rovers and Crawley.
He has yet to make an appearance for Brentford’s senior team, but remains highly-rated among the coaching staff and there are high hopes for his future.
There is a feeling in West London that gathering more experience from his next loan spell could place him in good stead to step into Keith Andrews’ first-team plans.
Cox could follow Jayden Meghoma and Ryan Trevitt exits
Should Cox leave on loan in January, he will join three current Brentford players who left on temporary deals in an effort to gain more experience.
The biggest deal was that for Jayden Meghoma to join Rangers on a season-long deal, where he has been allowed to impress despite a turbulent season at Ibrox.
Meanwhile, Ryan Trevitt joined League One outfit Wigan Athletic, where he has made nine appearances so far and gained more valuable EFL experience.
Cox could now join his teammate in the third tier of English football, where he remains very highly rated despite difficulties during his last loan spell.
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