Brentford set to appoint Walsall's Dean Smith as new head coach

Walsall manager Dean Smith is set to be appointed as Brentford's new head coach, according to Sky sources

The 44-year-old, who has been in charge of the Saddlers since 2011, has agreed a deal with the Bees after they made an official approach to Walsall on Sunday - although compensation is still to be settled between the two clubs.

Brentford are hoping to make an announcement this afternoon subject to the compensation deal being concluded and Smith will be at their game against Bolton on Monday night.

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Brentford have been on the hunt for a new boss since they sacked Marinus Dijkhuizen - who took over from Mark Warburton in the summer - in September following a poor start to the season.

They have lifted themselves up the Championship table under the guidance of interim head coach Lee Carsley, who won October's Manager of the Month award, but he has maintained that he does not want the job full-time.

Carlsey said after the recent win at home to Nottingham Forest that he expected the game to be his last, but he will take the team for the last time in their away trip to Bolton on Monday Night Football, live on Sky Sports 1HD.

It is understood Brentford owner Mathew Benham has tracked Smith, who won the League One Manager of the Month award in August for some time.

Smith has been Walsall manager since replacing Chris Hutchings in January 2011, guiding them to safety in League One, despite being bottom and eight points adrift when he took over.

He also took them to Wembley for the first time in the club's history in March, losing the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final 2-0 to Bristol City, and Walsall are currently fourth in Sky Bet League One.