Brentford have signed French Under-20 international defender Raphaël Calvet from AJ Auxerre for an undisclosed fee.

The 19-year-old has played for France at youth level and captained the squad which reached the Quarter-Finals of the 2011 FIFA Under-17 World Cup.

He is also a current member of the France Under-20 squad.

He trained with The Bees last week and completed his move to Griffin Park from the French Ligue 2 club this morning.

Raphaël has signed a three-year contract and has committed his future to Brentford until the summer of 2016.

Brentford Manager Uwe Rösler said: “I am delighted that we have been able to get another young prospect.

“Raphaël is a player that has represented his country at almost all age groups.

“That Brentford can attract a player like this is very, very good news.

“Raphaël is a man for the future, he is very good technically but he is also a defender that likes to defend.

“He has been educated tactically and technically, as you would expect from a player that has come through the French system.

“He will need time to adapt to a new life, both culturally and in football terms.

“He will train as part of the First Team group but is likely to play his first games for the Development Squad.

“We will give him all the time he needs to settle in.

“Hopefully he will adapt quickly and play for our First Team.”

Mark Warburton, Brentford FC Sporting Director, said: “Raphaël is a French Youth International who has played over 40 times for his country and is highly thought of.

“He came in last week and impressed Uwe and the staff with his tenacity and positioning.

“His desire to impress, for a young 19 year old, was very impressive.

“We are happy to secure him on a longer term contract as we think there is a lot of development there.”

The defender came through the youth ranks at Auxerre and played for their reserves in the fourth tier of French football before he was 18.

After signing his contract Raphaël went back to France to link up with the Under-20 squad.

He will play for France in a tournament before returning to West London.

Raphaël spoke to Bees Player after completing the move - see an interview with the defender shortly.