Thomas Frank admits it’s unlikely all of Brentford’s key players will stay beyond this summer, however, he’s keen to build on his team’s strong foundations and push for promotion to the Premier League next season.
Several of their stars have been strongly linked with moves away from Griffin Park, such as England youth international Ezri Konsa and leading scorer Neal Maupay.
Promising defender Chris Mepham left for AFC Bournemouth during the January transfer window and Yoann Barbet will leave when his contract expires in June.
Frank has already suggested Brentford could be in the market for another defender but is determined to keep hold of his stars and ward off interest from bigger teams.
“I think it's unlikely that we keep everybody,” he said. “I think just looking back to history, and looking at how the market is, I think we have some very good assets that other people are perhaps looking at.
“So we can have that intention [of keeping everyone], and we'll try to do that, but I can't say they will leave, they will not leave.
“I think we can't, or should not, lose too many [players] because we have a good foundation.
“But overall we want to strengthen the squad every year, we want to make it stronger. That's the main, main aim.
“How many, how few, depends.”
Konsa has reportedly caught the eye of Crystal Palace, while rumoured interest for Maupay has reportedly come from Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and relegated Huddersfield Town.
Asked whether Brentford have had offers from teams for any key players, Frank replied: “Honestly, I don't know.
“[It is] nothing I know anything about, I'll know if there's a concrete offer and I think a lot of these things will be after today.”
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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