Head coach Marinus Dijkhuizen reckons new striker Philipp Hofmann is cast in his own image and will give Brentford a different option up front this season.

The 22-year-old Germany U21 international penned a three-year contract on Thursday to switch from FC Kaiserslautern for an undisclosed fee and subject to international clearance.

Hofmann has been a prolific goalscorer as a German youth international, scoring a total of 18 goals in 36 appearances for his country at U18, U19, U20 and U21 level.

The former Schalke 04 youth system graduate, who moved to Kaiserslautern last summer, scored nine goals in 17 U21 matches, including two against England in a friendly in March.

“Philipp is a target man, physically strong, and a good header of the ball. His style of play is similar to mine when I played," said Dijkhuizen.

“He is a different type of striker to Andre Gray, so it gives us more tactical options. Philipp is only 22 so can still improve his game.”

Hofmann is expected to feature in Saturday's friendly with Premier League Stoke City at Griffin Park, kick-off 1.30pm.