Brentford have held initial talks with Kevin Schade about a new long-term contract in the wake of his excellent start to the campaign and increasing interest from bigger clubs including Arsenal and Liverpool. The winger has scored three goals as Brentford's unbeaten start to the season has put them fourth in the Premier League from their opening five games, with two victories at home to Tottenham and Chelsea and three draws.

Schade has been tracked by several big Premier League clubs for some time, with Chelsea and Tottenham among his admirers, but Arsenal and Liverpool are thought to have been the keenest as the summer transfer window drew to a close. The Germany international has entered the final two years of his current Brentford deal - signed when he joined from SC Freiburg for £20m in June 2023 - and the west London club are keen to give him improved terms.

His three goals so far this term has taken his tally to 25 in 119 games plus a further nine assists and, while at Brentford, Schade has broken into the Germany side, starting Jurgen Klopp's first game in charge against the Netherlands last night.