Brentford have made Charlie Goode, Scott Wharton’s defensive partner at Northampton Town last season, their first summer signing.
The Bees, beaten in last season’s play-off final have added the Cobblers captain to their ranks after matching the £1m valuation set for the 25-year-old. Add-ons in the deal could eventually take it to £1.5m, with Goode agreeing a four-year deal, with the option for a further 12 months.
Goode and Wharton were a key part of the Cobblers defence that helped them to promotion from League Two via the play-offs.
Wharton is back at Rovers, and competing for a spot in the Rovers first-team, though Northampton’s interest in re-signing him on loan could well intensify after Goode’s departure.
Rovers, and Wharton, hope he can force his way in to their senior side this season, after a season-long stay at Sixfields saw him earn a third promotion from the fourth tier.
Brentford say they fought off strong competition from a number of Championship, and while Rovers were linked with his signature, it’s understood they did not place a bid.
Middlesbrough and QPR are thought to be the two clubs that Northampton revealed they had turned down bids from, with Brentford making their move at the 11th hour to seal the deal.
“I’d like to welcome Charlie to the club,” Thomas Frank said.
“Charlie is a player I really like. He is an aggressive defender and a big aerial threat in both boxes, which is a big thing for us.
“He has good quality on the ball which we feel we can develop further within our style of play.”
Co-Director of Football, Phil Giles added: “There was significant interest in Charlie from other Championship clubs, therefore I’m very pleased we were able to secure his signing.
“Our defence was already strong last year and we feel that Charlie can help us become even stronger, especially given the experience he brings.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here