Aston Villa could clinch a dream signing if they were to bring in Rico Henry from Championship side Brentford.

Johan Lange masterclass

After replacing Suso as the Midland club's sporting director in the summer, there's no questioning that Johan Lange has done an incredible job in his first transfer window in charge.

The recruitment at Villa Park has been superb, and it's led them to some impressive results this season, including thumping victories against the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal.

Now, The Athletic's Gregg Evans claim that long-term target, Henry, could come back into consideration for Villa if fellow Premier League side West Brom don't come in first.

Dean Smith loves him

With his time at Brentford, Henry's a familiar name to Dean Smith, and the Villa boss has gone on record multiple times to wax lyrical about the flying left-back.

Speaking after he initially brought him to Brentford, he said: "Rico is a player I worked with at Walsall and threw him into the first team at 16 in pre-season friendlies and he more than held his own in those games, he had no fear, and was playing in League One shortly afterwards. He’s a talented player, fearless, and likes to bring the ball to opponents."

And then, after describing him as "something special", Smith even likened him to Chelsea and England stalwart Ashley Cole - high praise for an up-and-coming left-back.

The fact Smith has this previous working relationship with Henry makes the defender a dream signing for Villa, and someone who could hit the ground running like Ollie Watkins has done.

Meanwhile, Villa could make a foolish mistake by snubbing this "special talent".