Brentford join Birmingham City in race for Darwin Guagua as Ecuador reports Bees are ‘very close’

Brentford have emerged as serious contenders to sign Darwin Guagua, with fresh reports from Ecuador suggesting the Premier League club could now beat Birmingham City to the highly-rated Independiente del Valle midfielder.

The 18-year-old had appeared destined for St Andrew's after reports claimed Birmingham had almost completed a deal, but the transfer race has taken a fresh twist.

Reliable Ecuadorian insider MrOffsider reported on Sunday that Brentford have become a genuine option for Guagua.

According to the report, Independiente del Valle are expected to determine the terms of the midfielder's sale this week, with interest from multiple English clubs now on the table.

That represents a significant change after Birmingham City had been presented as favourites over recent days.

Reports on Saturday suggested Birmingham had "practically finalised" an agreement for the Ecuador youth international.

However, Independiente del Valle general manager Santiago Morales urged caution, confirming discussions were taking place but insisting no agreement had yet been signed.

Sunday's developments appear to support that position, with Brentford now firmly in contention.

Further optimism for the Bees comes from Área Deportiva, which reports Guagua is "very close" to completing a move to Brentford.

The report does not reveal the proposed transfer fee or personal terms, but indicates the midfielder could soon make the switch to English football.

For now, the financial details remain unclear.

With Independiente del Valle expected to define the conditions of any sale in the coming days, the situation is moving towards a decisive stage.

Brentford's late arrival has significantly altered the picture.

While Birmingham City looked to be leading the race just 24 hours earlier, Sunday's reports suggest the Premier League side may now have moved into pole position.

The coming days are expected to determine whether Brentford can complete a deal for one of Ecuador's brightest young prospects.