Brentford beat Leeds and Southampton to sign highly-rated Oxford United defender Erion Zabeli

Brentford have seen off competition from Leeds and Southampton to sign highly rated defender Erion Zabeli from Oxford United.

The 18-year-old centre back, who was born in London but is part of the Albanian Under-19 set-up, was also a target for Rangers and several European sides.

Zabeli is one of Albania’s highest rated youth prospects and will become just the third player from the country to play his trade in the Premier League, following Chelsea’s Armando Broja and former Sunderland midfielder Lorik Cana.

The young defender is also eligible to represent England and Kosovo.

Zabeli did not make a senior appearance for Oxford, though he did play four times for them in last season’s FA Youth Cup – as they reached the quarter-finals where they were knocked out by Manchester City.

Brentford have beaten their rivals to the signing of Oxford United defender Erion Zabeli

Thomas Frank’s side saw off competition from their rivals to sign the Albanian teenager 

Meanwhile the Bees this week have also made the signing of Nathan Collins from Wolves on a fee worth £20m.

He surpasses Germany forward Kevin Schade – who also signed this summer for £20m – as their record signing.

Speaking about Collins, Brentford boss Thomas Frank said: ‘He’s a very talented centre-back and still young.

‘He has a lot of very good abilities that we value a lot. He’s a composed and calm defender. His heading in both boxes is a big thing, both in open play and from set-pieces, which is massive in the Premier League.

‘I also like his ability on the ball. He can carry the ball out of defence and also has the composure to find the right pass during build-up play.’