Bees skipper Matt Heywood will have to take a pay cut if he wants to stay at the club after boss Andy Scott admitted he was losing his battle to keep his centre-half.
The 28-year-old started Saturday's defeat to promoted Hereford United on the bench as Scott prepared for life without his talismanic defender.
Heywood, who joined the Bees from then-League One side Bristol City, is stalling on Brentford's offer of a new contract in the hope of getting a better deal elsewhere.
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Scott is hoping some new faces at the club could persuade the no-nonsense centre-back to stay, but realises he may be fighting a losing battle.
"I have offered Matt the best deal I can but I have heard nothing back from him or his agent as yet," he said.
"I think he is looking to see if he can get a better deal and I understand his position.
"If I could offer him more money, I would."
"I am hoping to bring in one or two players in the next couple of weeks. The sort of players I want to bring on board might persuade him we have a good chance of success next season.
"He is happy at the club and is enjoying being captain, but he has dropped into League Two with us and it is no secret that he will have to take a pay cut on his new contract."
Scott is likely to leave Heywood on the bench for tomorrow's trip to play-off hopefuls Stockport County as he continues assessing his options for next season.
He expects to sit down with squad members next week to discuss their futures, and is hoping to tie down winger Ricky Shakes on a new contract.
And the rookie boss, who culled 10 players in the transfer window, is not scared of being ruthless.
"I would like Ricky to stay but it depends on the financial position," he added.
"I think I have proved I can be ruthless and it may mean players will have to go to accommodate him and the others I want to bring in.
"Some changes may be surprising and others more obvious, but I think the fans will be impressed with who I have lined up to come in."
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