James Tarkowski's loan move blocked by Brentford

Brentford have blocked James Tarkowski's proposed loan move to Oldham Athletic.

The defender joined the Bees in January on a permanent deal, but was due for a return to the Latics when the loan window reopened.

However, the Griffin Park outfit have opted to keep hold of the 21-year-old, after fellow defender Harlee Dean picked up a groin injury.

"Harlee and Tony [Craig] have been our first choice centre-halves, they've done outstandingly well over the last two seasons," Brentford manager Mark Warburton told the club's official website.

"James would have played at Oldham and maintained his fitness and we would have had a call [to make] after 28 days.

"From our point of view we have to make sure all bases are covered here and give ourselves the best chance every fixture. James is joining us, he'll train this morning [Saturday], he's one of us now."

Brentford's League One clash against Crawley today was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.