The Hornets have missed out on the signing of long-term target Liam Moore, with the Watford Observer understanding the defender is set to join Brentford on loan.

The Golden Boys had been hoping to sign the centre back on a temporary deal for the last two months but Leicester City would not let the player leave despite him being fifth choice in recent weeks.

However, Foxes manager Nigel Pearson has now decided Moore can depart but the 22-year-old appears to have opted for Brentford instead of the Hornets.

Moore knows Bees manager Mark Warburton from a previous month-long loan spell in early 2013 when the ex-Watford academy boss was the club's sporting director.

With fellow centre back Robert Huth joining Leicester on loan in January and defender Matthew Upson returning from injury, Moore has slipped further down the pecking order at the King Power Stadium, having started their first nine Premier League games this season.

Recent injuries and a lack of game time for both Huth and Upson are believed to have been a factor in Moore not being allowed to leave prior to now despite making just one appearance since January 3.

Moore, who is 6ft 1ins and can play at centre back or right back, needs to secure regular football as he wants to cement his place in the England Under-21 squad for this summer's European Championship.

The Hornets currently have ex-Aston Villa and Fulham defender Zat Knight training with the club but we have been told that was not linked to the Moore agreement, as the trial was arranged prior to the Leicester man opting for Brentford instead of the Hertfordshire club.