Graham Potter has revealed why Percy Tau cut short his Premier League challenge.

The South Africa international is set to start life with Al Ahly in Egypt.

He was among the higher-profile departures of the transfer window, which closed within the last fortnight.

Head coach Potter said: “We had Neal Maupay, we had Danny Welbeck, we had Leo Trossard that were already playing ahead of him when he arrived.

“It is not so easy to displace them when you come halfway through the season but it was competition for places in that area.

“We have a lot of offensive midfield players, with the likes of Jakub Moder, Alexis Mac Allister also competing in that area and how we played tactically were probably ahead of him.

“It is about being honest with him there from that point, it is not straightforward for Percy either as you have to come in and show what you can do.”

Tau missed the Olympics and worked hard in pre-season attempting to get up to Prem speed.

GRAHAM POTTER'S BRENTFORD V BRIGHTON PRESS CONFERENCE

Potter added: “He was a great guy and a great person but, in the end, he had an option to get something a bit more long-term for him and his family in terms of a length of a contract.

“He took that decision and that option. We respect that and he goes with our blessing and I wish him well.”