Harlee Dean stripped of Brentford captaincy until he signs new deal amid Premier League interest
The defender, wanted by a host of clubs, is stalling over an extension as he enters the final 12 months of his contract
HARLEE DEAN has been stripped of the Brentford captaincy - until he signs a new contract.
The defender, wanted by Sheffield Wednesday, is stalling over an extension as he enters the final 12 months of his contact.
Brentford cashed in on former favourites David Button and Jake Bidwell to avoid them walking away for nothing.
And Bees boss Dean Smith is prepared to get tough once again unless the long-serving Dean commits.
Smith said: "Harlee's fully committed to the cause and I have a great relationship with him.
"But at the moment he's in a little bit of limbo with contract negotiations.
"While that's going on I think it's right that somebody else carries the armband at the moment."
Brentford host Nottingham Forest on Saturday as old boss Mark Warburton makes his Griffin Park return.
Warburton led the Bees to promotion from League One and then the Championship play-offs during his 18-month spell.
He was controversially axed two years ago but Brentford don't plan to roll out the welcome mat.
Smith added: "Mark coming back adds to the game but we have to concentrate on ourselves.
"It's our first game and home and we are targeting a victory.
"We want to get our season off and running."
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