Aston Villa boss Dean Smith should keep tabs on his left-back favourite Rico Henry

Add as preferred source on Google

This week saw Brentford’s exciting left-back Rico Henry return to full training at the club. The Bees defender has been out for over a year with a serious knee injury. He is now on the path to a first-team recovery, although it may be some weeks before Brentford fans see him back in action.

But should Aston Villa be keeping tabs on the player?

Dean Smith recently took over at Aston Villa, following the sacking of Steve Bruce. Smith is a huge fan of the left-back. He managed him at Walsall, before convincing the Griffin Park board to pay an initial £1.5 million, rising to £5 million, for his services, as reported by Express and Star.

Smith worked with Henry at Walsall, where he first made his name and earned a place in the England youth set-up for his exceptional displays.

Brentford beat Premier League sides for his services and the Birmingham-born star would surely relish a chance to play at Villa Park – even if he is reportedly a City fan.

Aston Villa have problems at left-back. Neil Taylor has been in poor form and Alan Hutton is currently playing in the role.

Improving the position will surely be a key target in January. If Henry can prove his fitness in the next three months, then a January swoop would surely make sense.