Brentford owner Matthew Benham has appointed Rothschild to manage the potential sale of a stake in the club, which could see it valued at up to £500million.

News first emerged in December that Benham was open to selling either a majority or minority stake in Brentford in order to seek fresh investment.

The Bees’ owner has now hired multinational private and merchant bank Rothschild to oversee the possible dilution of his share, with US investors expected to show interest, as reported by Sky News.

A Brentford spokesperson told Standard Sport in December: “It’s no surprise that there has been interest in investment opportunities at Brentford FC.

“While Matthew Benham’s commitment to the club remains as strong as ever, it is only natural, and perhaps even essential, for us to carefully explore what new investment could potentially mean for the future.

“We must not stand still and we remain absolutely determined to safeguard the long-term future [of the club] and to remain competitive in the world’s most challenging and successful league.”

Brentford have posted finishes of 13th and ninth in their first two full Premier League campaigns since being promoted through the Championship play-offs in 2021, but currently sit 14th and only five points above the relegation zone after a 1-0 defeat at Manchester City on Tuesday night that followed Saturday’s heavy 4-1 home loss to Liverpool.

Thomas Frank’s side have taken only six points from their last 11 matches, though do have star striker Ivan Toney back in action after his eight-month ban finished last month.