Josh McEachran leaves Chelsea for Brentford

Josh McEachran had been tipped for a bright future at Chelsea.

Brentford have signed Josh McEachran from Chelsea on a four-year contract.

McEachran, who spent last season on loan at Vitesse Arnhem, joins the Championship side for an undisclosed fee.

McEachran, 22, had been tipped for a bright future at Chelsea after making his debut as a 17-year-old in 2010, but he was unable to establish himself in the first team and subsequently had loan spells with Swansea, Middlesbrough, Watford, Wigan and Vitesse.

New Brentford head coach Marinus Dijkhuizen is hopeful the former England under-21 midfielder will be able to deliver on his potential after moving across West London.

The Dutchman, who spent last season in charge of Eredivisie side Excelsior, told Brentford'sofficial website: "Josh is a versatile midfield player who can play in a holding role and as a playmaker. He was a big talent at Chelsea and now I look forward to working with him and our coaching staff in order to take Josh on to the next level.

"Although he played at Vitesse last season, he has good experience of English football and will be able to fit into our playing style very quickly."

Brentford co-director of football Phil Giles added: "Josh is a player who our scouting team followed closely during the second half of last season.

"We quickly recommended him to Marinus, who of course knew Josh from his time in Dutch football and was quick to add his agreement to the discussion to proceed with the transfer.

"We are sure Josh can continue to develop and that, at 22, he still has many great seasons ahead of him. We welcome him to Brentford and to preseason training in Portugal."

Chelsea also confirmed the transfer on theirofficial website, writing: "Chelsea Football Club has today agreed terms with Brentford for the permanent transfer of Josh McEachran.

"The midfielder made his Chelsea debut in 2010 as a 17-year-old, the first player born after its formation in 1992 to appear in the Champions League when he came on as a substitute away at Zilina.

"McEachran was a key member of our 2010 FA Youth Cup-winning team, also lifting the Under-17 European Championship with England that summer, and went on to become a regular for his country at Under-21 level.

"In total, McEachran made 22 Chelsea appearances before spending last season on loan in the Netherlands with Vitesse Arnhem.

"Chelsea Football Club thanks Josh for his service and wishes him the very best of luck for the future."